Following the extension of Alert Level 4 in Auckland, New Zealand Football has unfortunately had to make the difficult decision to terminate the remainder of the Northern League season and cancel any yet to be played fixtures. 

With football activity not possible at Alert Level 3 and 4, there is now insufficient time to allow a return to play period and completion of the league before the start of the already delayed National League Championship. 

As per the NZF National League COVID-19 Contingencies, the competition will end with current league places taken as they stand. This is based on clubs having already played 85% of the competition. Although some teams have played one less fixture than others, the current top 4 maintain a higher points per game average and as such will be the sides that qualify to participate in the National League Championship, due to commence 16-17 October. 

The extension of Alert Level 4 in Auckland also means that the proposed Semi-Final and Final dates for the Chatham Cup and NZ Football Foundation Kate Sheppard Cup have been pushed back. 

In the Kate Sheppard Cup, the Semi-Finals are now scheduled for the weekend of 9-10 October, on the proviso that Auckland moves to Alert Level 2 during the week of 27 September. The Final is now provisionally the weekend of 16-17 October and can be co-ordinated alongside National League fixtures if required. 

In the Chatham Cup, the Miramar Rangers v North Shore United Semi-Final will be scheduled for the weekend of 9-10 October on the proviso that that Auckland moves to Alert Level 2 during the week of 27 September. New Zealand Football are working with both clubs to understand the feasibility of the Cashmere Technical v Western Suburbs Semi-Final being played on the weekend of 2-3 October. The Chatham Cup Final will be co-ordinated alongside National League fixtures and provisionally scheduled for the weekend of 16-17 October. 

Article added: Tuesday 14 September 2021