The Dons Trust shares the disappointment of AFC Wimbledon supporters following the decision that the abandoned AFC Wimbledon Women v Crystal Palace PGA fixture should be replayed.
We recognise that decisions of this nature are not straightforward and that the FA Women’s National League must consider evidence and circumstances which may not be available publicly or to supporters.
However, we do believe the outcome raises important questions about the application of the competition rules, the circumstances in which clubs are required to fulfil fixtures, and where responsibility should lie when a match cannot be completed.
AFC Wimbledon fulfilled the original fixture, incurred the associated costs, our fans travelled to attend and were leading 6–0 when the match was abandoned.
The decision to order a full replay creates further sporting and operational consequences for us and our fans, including the rearrangement of a league fixture.
We understand that concerns about player availability had been raised with the League ahead of the original fixture and that a request for postponement had not been accepted.
In those circumstances, we believe it is reasonable to seek clarity on how the subsequent decision to order a full replay has been reached and how the relevant competition rules have been applied and we will ask for this on behalf of our members.
More broadly, the case raises an important question about precedent.
Where concerns about a club’s ability to fulfil a fixture are known in advance, but the fixture is required to proceed, there needs to be clarity about how responsibility and the consequences of any subsequent abandonment are determined.
Given the timings, cost and the rules set out by the league, AFC Wimbledon won’t be lodging an appeal of the decision.
Whatever the eventual outcome of the match, we hope this case provides an opportunity for the League to consider whether the current rules provide sufficient clarity for clubs and adequately protect the integrity and fairness of the competition.
