FV announced the decision on Monday as it works to design conditions for competition recommencement that ensures fairness for all Victorian clubs, and maintains competition integrity.

The decision means that if Ballarat's senior men or women's teams finishes last or second last on the 2020 ladder, they would still remain in their respective competitions the following year.

FV CEO Peter Filopoulos said it was vitally important to provide clarity for their football participation in 2020 within the context of the COVID-19 global crisis.

"From a football competitions point of view, relegation has been removed from all senior tiers of football and promotion retained" he said.

"This provides those clubs that have been impacted significantly by COVID-19 with the certainty that they will not lose their place in Victoria's football hierarchy in 2020 whilst ensuring clubs with ambition to ascend the hierarchy via promotion can still pursue this dream."

FV released its 'Resumption of football in Victoria due to COVID-19: Guiding Principles' on Monday to provide direction for all clubs and participants on the decision making process.

The list can be read here.

Filopoulos said clubs would follow the guidelines provided by government and football authorities before restarting play in 2020.

"The health and wellbeing of our participants and stakeholders is fundamental to any football being played this season and we will continue our extensive work with the authorities to ensure all 'return to training' and 'return to play' guidelines are followed as a priority above all others," he said.