Hashtag United have submitted an official application to be relegated from the Isthmian League Premier Division at the end of the season, regardless of their final standings.
The Essex-based club, which began life as a YouTube football project a decade ago, made the announcement through founder Spencer Owen, who declared that "money has become God" in the modern game.
Owen argued that financial pressures have become untenable across nearly every level of football, views he said are shared by other club owners, including Gillingham's Brad Galinson.
Owen said: "I have never been more certain and more positive about the direction of this club than I am right now."
The Isthmian League confirmed receipt of the written request on Wednesday, noting that final approval rests with the Football Association.
The club was established by Owen, also known as Spencer FC, in 2016 and initially staged matches exclusively for online audiences before entering the English football pyramid two years later.
Three promotions in five seasons under manager Jay Devereux propelled them to the seventh tier, where they have competed for the past three campaigns.
Hashtag currently occupy 18th position in the table, sitting just a single point above Welling United and the relegation places.
Hashtag United have submitted an official application to drop down from the Isthmian League Premier Division at the conclusion of this season
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Owen stepped down as chief executive in November 2025 but remains closely involved with the club's direction.
In his statement, Owen emphasised that players were informed promptly so they could consider their options before the registration deadline.
"We aren't cutting our budget and we aren't releasing anyone that wants to stay," he said, adding the club aims to "go down swinging and smiling."
The decision reflects a growing financial crisis across non-league football, with several clubs taking similar action this season.
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The Isthmian League confirmed receipt of the written request on Wednesday
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Helston Athletic, a Cornish club with 130 years of history, announced on Tuesday that they have also applied for voluntary relegation, seeking to move from the Western League Premier Division to the South West Peninsula League.
The club's committee cited a "perfect storm" of mounting costs, including ground grading requirements, escalating travel expenses for away fixtures, and declining matchday attendances.
Helston said: "The costs currently required to compete at step 5 must not be to the detriment of the sustainability of football at the club."
The Western League has already lost two other sides this season, with Nailsea and Tickenham resigning and AFC St Austell being expelled.
The move has sparked fury among supporters, with some questioning whether clubs should be permitted to choose their league position.
The move has sparked fury among supporters, with some questioning whether clubs should be permitted to choose their league position
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One fan wrote on social media: "You can't pick and choose where you play. Sporting integrity is that relegation and promotion happens on the pitch not over email."
Another critic described the decision as "insane," arguing it "spits in the face of every club fighting for survival at Step 3."
However, others have backed Owen's approach as a pragmatic choice for the club's future.
One supporter posted: "Big respect for doing the right thing for the club's future. I have no doubt it's the best thing long term."
Should the FA approve the request, the team finishing fourth from bottom would typically be spared from relegation.
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