Central Midlands League dismiss rumours that it has been 'replaced' on pyramid by Doncaster league

“First of all, we are saddened that as a League we have to issue an article to deal with misinformation, supposition, innuendo and lies that have recently appeared on various social media platforms,” read the statement.

“It seems that some people are keen on creating their own myths and want to pass them off as real on social media, and it's unfortunate that some read what they say and assume it's gospel truth.

"None of this is helpful to the Central Midlands Football League's status as one of the Premier NLS feeder Leagues in the UK, with a much-respected set-up and reputation for both playing standards and facilities.

“Let's not forget that in this season's FA Vase, when most other Step 7 Leagues were not entering clubs at all, the CMFL had seven representatives, and the last remaining Step 7 side in this year's competition was - once again - a CMFL team. That's how strong this League is.

"The FA re-organisation of the pyramid has been put on hold for 12 months, but as part of that restructure, the FA have decided to rebrand Step 7, as "NLS Regional Feeder Leagues" that come under jurisdiction of the County FAs.

"Our sanctioning FA is Derbyshire, even though our league covers an area that includes clubs that are members of different FAs (Nottinghamshire, Sheffield & Hallam, West Riding, and Lincolnshire).

"That doesn't mean that any League is going to be axed, or replaced, or that promotion and relegation will disappear, or places in the Vase removed, they will just not be an "official" part of the NLS (in much the same way that anything below Step 7 isn't regarded as part of the pyramid).

"No new leagues will be added and no existing ones removed, so where this strange rumour about the CMFL being "replaced" in the pyramid originated, who can say? Either way, it's 100% inaccurate.”

Meanwhile, the CMFL has announced that it will be adding an extra division next season.

Division One will now be split into north, south and central leagues.