Ebbsfleet FC "relieved" to be back in National League after suspension
The team missed their first six fixtures, but will be back on the pitch this weekend
Last updated 3rd Sep 2026
Ebbsfleet United FC is set to make a triumphant return to the pitch this weekend, following the lifting of a suspension that kept the team sidelined for six rounds of the season.
Damian Irvine, Chief Executive of Ebbsfleet United, expressed the relief and excitement shared by the club as it resumes operations and competitive play: "It's a relief for everyone to be back playing football and not only football, but operating as a business again.
"We planned all through the pre-season, obviously in summertime for the start of the season. So to be sitting back watching 6 rounds go by without participating has been really difficult for all the staff and all the playing staff, of course, and all the supporters.
"Yesterday's news was a real relief and it was, I think, a testament to the hard work and I guess the commitment everyone's shown, that they get that opportunity now to have a little bit of oxygen and to take the time to regroup and grow under the new ownership. "
The suspension, initiated in early August just ahead of the season's start, arose from financial complications during a period of ownership transition. The National League have said in their most recent statement:
' While the Committee continues to consider if there are issues for the Club to satisfy the League with regard to compliance with rules and regulations, the Committee decided, in accordance with applicable regulations, that the suspension of Ebbsfleet United FC will be lifted with immediate effect.
'The Club remains under a player registration Embargo. The Committee continues to require specified action from the Club and will continue to be in close contact.
'Ebbsfleet United’s fixture away to Walton & Hersham FC on Saturday 5 September will proceed as scheduled.
'The Committee has the power to order conditions and sanctions on the Club in relation to matters and imposed a suspended six-points deduction against the Club, which will be activated in the event of the Committee considering the Club to have failed to comply with obligations under the rules and regulations during the current Season.'
Though complex, the ownership transfer to John O'Leary has paved the way for the club to regain its footing.
With operations and training continuing during the month-long hiatus, Irvine commended the staff, players, and supporters for their perseverance and dedication.
"The emotional happiness and relief on the supporters' reactions today was special," Irvine remarked, to the fans he added:
"Thank you. They're a great supporter base. They're always constant. They're intelligent. They know their football and they're ever present.
"And in times like this, it's been a real challenge the last few weeks, particularly for everyone that works here at the club, and their majority support and understanding during that time is so valuable and appreciated.
"It provides the energy internally to keep fighting and to keep finding solutions. So a big thank you from the club and a real excitement that we're all in this together going forward."
Although a transfer embargo remains in effect, Irvine noted it poses no substantial challenge to the squad, which was established early and remains robust.
As Ebbsfleet FC prepares to take on their opponents this weekend, a win is eagerly anticipated, with Irvine highlighting the team's readiness:
"We're six games into the season and have not participated yet. The boys have been training the whole time during that. They've had a really good preseason and summer before that.
"So they're like tightly wound springs at the moment, ready to release and get into that on Saturday.
"So we're really looking forward to seeing it."