The Football Association is facing the threat of legal action after taking what has been labelled the "appalling decision" to expunge results for the 2019-20 season for non-league divisions below the National League and National League North and South.
The same applies to women's football below the Women's Super League and Championship, with no promotion and relegation, while grassroots football has been brought to a close for the season.
The FA's decision is devastating for a number of teams who were comfortably top of their respective leagues, with South Shields chairman Geoff Thompson strident in his criticism.
Thompson, whose club were 12 points clear at the top of the Northern Premier Division, wrote on Twitter: "SSFC will be writing to the FA in the strongest possible terms and will seek an appeal or will take legal action.
"Whatever the outcome following this appalling decision the club will continue as before. However, there is no denying this decision has a huge financial impact.
"We have invested heavily this year in a host of areas and the loss of promotion will also affect some of our revenue assumptions for next season.
"My message to all our SSFC fans and sponsors is - sorry, a huge disappointment and we've all been badly let down."
The disappointment was mirrored by Jersey Bulls, who had already mathematically guaranteed promotion from Division One of the Combined Counties League after winning all 27 matches this season.
In a statement the club said: "The club was in the unusual position of having already secured promotion at the time the league was suspended and we will be engaging further with the FA and Combined Counties League on this issue."
The FA remains hopeful of completing the men's and women's FA Cup campaigns, FA Trophy and FA Vase, while discussions are ongoing regarding what will happen with the National League, Women's Super League and Women's Championship.