Farsley Celtic Announce Withdrawal from NCEL

Farsley Celtic have announced they have withdrawn from the Macron Northern Counties East Football League.

The West Yorkshire club have reluctantly decided to pause their senior men's team as they look to rebuild following demotion from Step 2 of the National League System by the FA and other off-the-field matters.

The news comes just weeks after former Premier League Goalkeeper, David Stockdale, took over the club.
A statement released by the club on said: "Farsley Celtic Football Club can confirm that, following extensive discussions and careful consideration, we have taken the difficult decision to withdraw our team from the Northern Counties East League for the 2025/26 season.
"This decision has not been taken lightly and comes as part of a wider strategic review of the club’s structure, amid ongoing developments regarding a proposed takeover.
"Given the current situation and the transitional period we are entering, it has been determined that stepping back from NCEL competition is the most appropriate course of action at this time.
"All relevant stakeholders have been fully consulted throughout the process, and their views have been carefully considered in reaching this outcome.
"We would also like to place on record our sincere thanks to the Northern Counties East League for their support and understanding during this period, and we remain committed to maintaining a positive relationship with them moving forward."

The announcement means that the Premier Division will run with twenty teams for the 2025/26 season as it is too late for a new team to be added to the league due to the league constitution being set. The league are awaiting confirmation from the FA on whether Farsley's withdrawal will affect the number of relegation places in the division at the end of the campaign. Until confirmation is made, they will assume that it will remain at two relegated from the remaining sides but that situation could change.