Gateshead finished sixth in the National League table, qualifying for the play-off quarter-finals. They were scheduled to face fifth-placed Solihull Moors away from home on Tuesday.

However, the EFL has made the decision to disqualify Gateshead from participating in the play-offs due to the club’s failure to meet the 10-year security of tenure at their stadium. The National League expressed disappointment in the EFL’s decision, citing the club’s unsuccessful request for a 10-year security of tenure from Gateshead Council.

Despite efforts by the National League to support the club’s application and appeal, the EFL upheld its decision to disqualify Gateshead from the play-offs. The club’s stadium, the Gateshead International Stadium, was built in 1995 and has a running track, hosting various sports clubs at different age groups.

Gateshead Football Club expressed extreme disappointment with the situation and voiced their determination to challenge the decisions made by the EFL and the National League. The EFL upheld its decision to disqualify Gateshead from the play-offs, stating that the club failed to meet the security of tenure requirement.

The club’s appeal was rejected after consideration by an independent arbitrator. Despite the EFL’s commitment to promotion and relegation principles, Gateshead’s inability to attain security of tenure has prevented them from progressing up the pyramid, even with sporting success.

The club’s situation has been ongoing for over two years and has led to their disqualification from the play-offs.