Club drops out of league amid talk of takeover

The team said the decision is part of a review of its structure

Farsley Celtic football club has withdrawn from the Northern Counties East League (NCEL) for the 2025-26 season.

The Leeds-based team said the decision formed part of a wider strategic review of its structure regarding a proposed takeover.

As a consequence, the Elite Talent Squad and the Academy & Education programme have chosen to leave the club before the 2025-26 season.

Farsley stressed the decision will not impact its women's, deaf, or development teams, which will continue to operate across the season

In February this year, the club launched a campaign to raise £25,000 to help with running costs, which it stated had built up due to delays installing a new 4G pitch at home ground the Citadel.

This had led Farsley to play home fixtures almost 70 miles away in Buxton, Derbyshire.

Then, earlier this month, the club announced first team manager David Stockdale had agreed to buy the club, following months of insecurity about its future.

On Monday, Farsley, who were relegated from the sixth tier of English football to the ninth tier at the end of last season, stated: "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."

The club said it will share updates regarding the takeover in due course.

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