DORCHESTER Town, Portland United and Bridport will play no further league games this season.

It comes after the FA ratified the curtailment of Steps 3-6 with "immediate effect".

No relegations will take place, although it is understood promotions from Steps 5-7 are being deliberated to accommodate the expected reshuffle of the National League System (NLS).

In total, 76 per cent of clubs surveyed voted to curtail the 2020/21 campaign amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

Some 81 per cent of games at Steps 3-4 and 75 per cent of matches at Steps 5-6 were remaining.

With just two months until the end of the season, an extension was deemed unviable due to "the financial implications for many clubs, player contracts and the extent of the fixture scheduling issues caused by the national lockdown and various postponements which had resulted."

Having considered their options, the FA Council confirmed league fixtures would not return this season.

"Taking into account the survey results and the ongoing impact of Covid-19, which continues to adversely affect incomes for clubs due to restrictions on both spectators and hospitality, our alliance and leagues committees have reached a consensus that the 2020-21 league season for Steps 3-6 of the NLS should be curtailed with immediate effect, with no further league matches taking place this season," a statement read.

"FA Council has now ratified this decision.

"It has also been decided that both committees will revisit discussions around a potential restructure at Steps 4-6 of the NLS, which was previously agreed and has been on hold since the 2019-20 season.

"A further update on this will be provided in due course."

Non-elite and grassroots football can resume as part of lockdown easing from Monday, March 29.

Clubs such as Dorchester Town can restart training and schedule friendly games.