Chichester City appeal over forced move from Isthmian to Southern League
Chichester City have appealed against being forced to move from the Isthmian League to the Southern League.
They have been placed in the Southern League Premier South for 2026-27 after several seasons in the Isthmian set-up.
But they say it will increase overheads because of extra mileage and could make it harder to attract Sussex-based players.
The FA will consider the appeal next week.
City chairman Andy Bell said he understood why the FA sometimes needed to move clubs and alter leagues’ geographical boundaries, but the club were disappointed with the placement.
“We’d rather stay in the Isthmian – moving brings a number of difficulties, not least quite an increase in the number of hours we will have to spend travelling.”
The move would end any Sussex derbies which bring good-sized crowds to Oaklands Park – although would mean games with Havant and Gosport, who are relatively nearby.
Bell said the news came at the end of a season which, with City devasted by the death of striker Billy Vigar, had been tough for everyone.