Gateshead Excluded from National League Play-offs over EFL Membership Criteria

Gateshead has been barred from participating in the National League play-offs due to failure to meet the entry criteria for English Football League membership. They couldn’t secure a “10 years security of tenure” at their stadium by the deadline. Despite finishing sixth in the table, Gateshead planned eliminator has been canceled. Altrincham now gets a bye to the semi-finals replacing Gateshead.

The National League expressed disappointment and explained that Gateshead inability to extend their stadium lease put them at risk of EFL membership refusal. The EFL rejected Gateshead appeal supported by the National League and emphasized the importance of promotion and relegation principles. The League hopes Gateshead can address these issues to be eligible for promotion in the future.