GATESHEAD have been thrown out of the National League play-offs, although they insist they will continue to challenge the decision to deny them a quarter-final place.

The Tyneside club qualified for the play-offs when they finished the campaign in sixth position yesterday, and had been due to take on fifth-placed Solihull Moors in an away game on Tuesday night.

However, they have been prevented from taking up their spot in the end-of-season battle for a place in the Football League as they have been unable to meet EFL rules.

The EFL have issued a statement explaining that Gateshead do not meet the qualifying criteria to become a Football League club as they do not have a guaranteed security of tenure to play matches at their home stadium for the next ten seasons.

Gateshead play their home games at Gateshead International Stadium, which is owner by the Borough Council of Gateshead.

The EFL statement said: “Gateshead Football Club will not be permitted by the National League to participate in this season’s play-offs as the terms of the club’s occupation at the Gateshead International Stadium, owned by the Borough Council of Gateshead, does not meet the relevant qualifying criteria to enable the club to become a member of the EFL.

“All other clubs permitted to play in the National League play-offs adhered to the requirements as set out in EFL Regulations.

“Despite the league working with Gateshead throughout last season and again in recent months, the club has been unable to attain security of tenure to play matches at its stadium for a minimum of ten seasons.

“All National League Clubs are required to apply annually to the EFL should they wish to be eligible for promotion, which Gateshead did alongside other clubs by the 30 November deadline. Working with the EFL, clubs then had until 1 March to ensure that all the relevant criteria of EFL Regulations were met.

“As Gateshead failed to meet the security of tenure requirement, the EFL rejected its application. The club appealed the league's decision claiming that it was irrational or unreasonable, but that appeal has now been rejected after consideration by an independent arbitrator.”

Gateshead continue to challenge the decision to prevent them from participating in the play-offs, however, despite the quarter-finals beginning this week.

A Gateshead statement issued on social media said: “Gateshead Football Club are extremely disappointed to find ourselves in the position as outlined in the statements released by the EFL and the National League. Rest assured we will continue to challenge both on their decisions, and we will endeavour to ensure that footballing matters are decided on the pitch.

“Therefore, our players and staff remain 100 per cent focused on the task in hand, and we wish to go on record to express our gratitude to the National League for supporting our challenge to the EFL.”