Update 20 April 2023

Quality competitions is what we strive to deliver, and is what we've based this decision on. Following the Sports Tribunal’s ruling to promote Central United after their appeals process, both competitions will be restarted in their new formats. 

As football people, restarting a season that’s underway is a huge call and one we’ve by no means taken lightly. After working with clubs on several possible scenarios, this is ultimately the fairest and most equitable outcome, and the short term disruption will allow all clubs to complete the season on a level playing field. 

The NRF team regrets the impact this has on your campaigns, and we appreciate all the clubs who’ve fought hard to win points so far, travelled to play and are having their season reset.

Accommodating Central United’s promotion is a substantial change - the Northern Conference and League One are now new competitions, with a different composition of teams, number of rounds / games, and format, and we believe the reset safeguards these competitions’ integrity,

We want to thank all players, clubs and their supporters for their patience through this period. 

Update 6 April 2023

Following a ruling by the Sports Tribunal of New Zealand, Northern Region Football will promote Central United to the 2023 LOTTO NRFL Northern Conference.

NRF maintains the position that Central were ineligible for promotion because of their Memorandum of Understanding and close ties with Auckland City, based on sound football reasons and fairness to all clubs.

However the organisation accepts the Sports Tribunal’s decision and will now focus on delivering the 2023 season.

“Providing quality competitions is at the heart of what NRF delivers our clubs, and we acknowledge the disruption for the teams affected,” said NRF CEO Laura Menzies.

With the Sports Tribunal’s ruling that Central United is to be promoted, the 2023 LOTTO NRFL Northern Conference will become a nine-team competition and NRF League One will become a six team competition.

We will share further detail with clubs in those competitions to confirm the changes.

Article added: Thursday 06 April 2023