Amateur football has been suspended in Rochdale during the local lockdown.
Competitive games and training would breach social distancing rules, town hall chiefs have said.
But the council has said pitches are being prepared for re-opening - with clubs needing to submit a satisfactory risk assessment before matches can restart.
Rochdale has had one of the highest infection rates in Greater Manchester - although the numbers have been falling in recent weeks - and last month introduced its own set of measures aimed at halting the spread of the virus.
Andy Palombo, secretary of the Rochdale, Bury and District Sunday Football League, said he understood the need for precautions, but described the move as 'frustrating'.
The league has 43 teams entered for next season, playing across four divisions, and Mr Palombo says the ban had thrown preparations into disarray.
He said: "It's disappointing for the teams.
"The players are raring to go, especially because it's been such a long time since we played.
"They're gearing up for [the league starting in] September and they want to start playing friendlies to get sharp. But in fairness to the council they're in a tricky position.
"I don't think they're getting a lot of information. It's frustrating for everyone."
Amateur football leagues were suspended in March when the coronavirus lockdown began.
But last month the FA gave clubs the green light to restart training as long as numbers were kept below 30.
Guidance published by Rochdale council includes a reinstatement of the 2m social distancing advice, alongside the ban on visits to private homes and gardens.
A letter from the council addressed to football clubs in Rochdale states: "Based on the recent announcement on local restrictions from central government and the local measures already in place in Rochdale no competitive matches or close contract training can take place as this would breach the 2m social distancing requirements.
"This decision will be reviewed on a regular basis."
It adds: "Please ensure that you do not use the pitches in any way until local restrictions are lifted and you we have an approved risk assessment in place."
A spokesperson added: “We fully support grassroots sport in our borough and are contacting our local clubs to let them know that our pitches will be open as soon as they are ready.
"Clubs registered with formal bodies will be asked to complete risk assessments before they start to play matches, which is in-line with national guidance and the lockdown measures currently in place in parts of northern England, including our borough. These measures limit the numbers of people who can gather for a sporting event to a maximum of 30.
"This includes players, coaches and spectators. Clubs will be expected to ensure appropriate social distancing particularly when there are venues with multiple pitches.”
