Premier League and EFL postpone all football matches until at least April 3
The Football Associated have confirmed that top-level football in England is suspended until at least April 3 – as they take measures to limit the spread of the Coronavirus.
This weekend’s matches were due to go ahead as of yesterday until Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta confirmed that he had caught the virus.
It has since been reported that Chelsea’s Callum Hudson-Odoi was another case.
The Premier League and EFL held special meetings this morning to determine the next course of action.
An FA statement said: ”The FA, Premier League, EFL and FA Women’s Super League and FA Women’s Championship have collectively agreed to postpone the professional game in England until Friday 3 April at the earliest.
“This action, which will be kept under constant review, has been taken due to the increasing numbers of clubs taking steps to isolate their players and staff because of the Covid-19 virus.
“It will also apply to all England team fixtures at every level and all FA competitions including the Emirates FA Cup and the Women’s FA Cup, along with academy and youth-team matches.
“The decision is being made purely on the number of cases requiring self-isolation and the impact on facilities. Given the steps being taken across clubs, there is no alternative but for today’s action. However, all parties are committed at this time to trying to complete this season’s domestic fixture programme and are liaising to establish appropriate options to do so.
“We are liaising with the National League pyramids (men’s and women’s) and will continue to offer guidance and support. Any decision to continue playing or to postpone their respective competitions is a matter for each league as autonomous bodies within the game.”