Barrow are heading back to the Football League for the first time in 48 years after National League clubs voted to decide final standings on an unweighted points-per-game basis.
The decision, confirmed by a majority vote on Wednesday, sees Barrow confirmed as champions of the National League, with King’s Lynn winning the National League North title and Wealdstone the National League South.
The vote, which is subject to FA Council approval, will also see the end-of-season play-offs take place.
National League chief executive Michael Tattersall said: “I congratulate each of our champions clubs on their successful campaigns.
Welcome back, @BarrowAFC. See you next season! #EFL https://t.co/alYePEZ3ir — E F L (@EFL) June 17, 2020
“The enforced curtailment of our season does nothing to discredit the quality of the football played and I am pleased that our clubs have overwhelmingly supported the award of their titles.
“We can now also look towards the completion of end of season play-offs.”
Those play-offs will see Notts County, Harrogate, Yeovil, Barnet, Boreham Wood and Halifax battle it out to join Barrow in the EFL, with Notts County and Harrogate advancing directly to the semi-finals.
National League Statement | Ordinary Resolution Supported by Member Clubs ➡️ https://t.co/wrTIv8reCR pic.twitter.com/uCMmDmYwit — The National League (@TheVanaramaNL) June 17, 2020
The National League has told clubs the play-offs must start no later than July 18 and finish by July 31, with teams made to pay for the testing of all players and staff, as well as the net costs of staging the games.
The National League statement added: “The number of clubs to be relegated from the Vanarama National League will be determined so as to maintain a National Division of 24 clubs after any relegation from EFL League Two, promotion to EFL League Two and promotion from the National League North and National League South divisions.
“There shall be no relegation from Vanarama National League North and Vanarama National League South.”
