Norwich City’s dreams of reaching the latter stages of the FA Cup remain alive after the Football Association released a statement reiterating their desire to complete the competition.
City were due to face Manchester United at Carrow Road in their first FA Cup quarter-final since 1992, when they conquered Southampton courtesy of Chris Sutton’s winning goal.
The coronavirus pandemic has seen domestic football at all levels grind to a halt as government regulations deem it unsafe for mass crowds to congregate for fear of spreading the novel COVID-19.
The future of the Canaries Premier League campaign remains uncertain, with the governing bodies collectively stating that domestic football would be suspended until April 30, with many supporters and pundits anticipating a longer postponement.
City beat Tottenham Hotspur in an epic fifth round clash earlier this month, with Tim Krul the hero as Daniel Farke’s men won 3-2 on penalties.
That victory set-up a mouth watering home tie against Manchester United, something which the FA has announced it is desperate to continue if possible.
In their latest statement, they said: “With the 2019-20 Emirates FA Cup, Women’s FA Cup, Buildbase FA Trophy and Buildbase FA Vase all at advanced stages, we are reviewing all options as we seek to complete these competitions whenever it is safe and appropriate to do so.
“Clubs involved are close to reaching a major final and for those clubs and supporters we will do all we can to keep the Wembley dream alive.”
In the same announcement, it was decided that non-league seasons from step three to six are to be brought to an end, and all results will be expunged.
Norwich United were gunning for promotion in the Thurlow Nunn Eastern - but with promotions and relegations being cancelled, they will have to go again next season.
Dereham Town’s season has also been cancelled. King’s Lynn Town will be forced to wait until next week for the decision of the National League to find out their fate as they bid for promotion.
City’s women have also been impacted. With the women’s game being brought to an immediate end.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here