Play in the English Premier League has been suspended until next month as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.
All elite soccer matches in England, including the Premier League, have been suspended until April 4 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“Following a meeting of shareholders today, it was unanimously decided to suspend the Premier League with the intention of returning on April 4,” the Premier League said in a joint statement on Friday.
The English Football League, which oversees all professional tiers of English soccer below the top-flight, had announced the suspension of all football activity earlier in the day.
The Football Association said the professional game in England would be postponed until April 3 at the earliest.
England’s upcoming friendly internationals against Italy and Denmark at Wembley on March 27 and 31, respectively, will not take place, the FA said in a statement.
Meanwhile, all matches in UEFA competitions, including the Champions League and Europa League, will not take place next week due to the virus, the governing body announced.
“Further decisions on when these matches take place will be communicated in due course,” it said.
The English shutdown follows news Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta and Chelsea forward Callum Hudson-Odoi have contracted COVID-19.
Three Leicester players are also being tested, while Everton announced on Thursday its squad was in self-isolation after a player reported symptoms consistent with the virus.
Watford said one of their players was also awaiting test results while Bournemouth have placed Artur Boruc and four members of staff under isolation after displaying symptoms.
Arsenal’s trip to Brighton on Saturday was immediately postponed following the news about Arteta.
The Premier League joins counterparts in Italy, Spain and Scotland in suspending its season.
The German football league has also suggested suspending the Bundesliga and second division from next week until April 2.
In Switzerland, FIFA president Gianni Infantino met World Health Organization Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Thursday to discuss the emergency.
The meeting at WHO headquarters in Geneva, discussed football’s response to the virus pandemic and “what measures should sports governing bodies and administrators take in specific situations”.
Kanggas2
Roar Rookie
Let’s see through the health situation, the games can be played when they’re played. If they’re not played so be it ..
peter ostle
Guest
Uefa ought to cancel Euro 20. It may be played in 2021, but for now just tell countries it is not happening. They ask national FAs to focus on ending their league competitions by the 30th June. This will allow for promotion and relegation to occur. For national cup competitions if they can be played OK, if not cancel. [For England do the cup draw for later rounds now so teams know who they potentially could play if they win the next match] As to Champions/Europa League move to one game, no home/away. Transfer window to be prolonged to end of September 2020. Why 30th June? That is when players contracts year end is, so players who are at the end of the contract will not be faced with playing 'out of contract' or not being able to play as they have now 'moved' to another club.
Kiwi in East Perth
Guest
Call the rest of the seasons games as a draw and everyone gets 1 point each. It's only fair Liverpool get the trophy because they are so far ahead.
fabian gulino
Roar Rookie
:sick:
fabian gulino
Roar Rookie
:thumbdown:
me too
Roar Rookie
and with a Liverpool mad brother who has been hell all season.
Nick Symonds
Guest
After a period of quarantine, they could play behind closed doors at a central location like the St George's Park National Football Centre at Burton upon Trent in Staffordshire. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eWTPMRlQwg
Nick Symonds
Guest
I think the IOC are more keen on it going ahead than the Japanese government. The IOC don't have to answer to voters if it breaks out.
Micko
Roar Rookie
….says someone who clearly doesn't support Liverpool! :happy:
Micko
Roar Rookie
I was going to the WCQ in a week or two, which obviously has been postponed. No idea when that’ll be now.
Nick Symonds
Guest
Doubts over the Olyroos and Matildas going to the Olympics. The Socceroos at the Copa America could also be in doubt.
me too
Roar Rookie
just cancel it. declare the season null and void. give everyone a break and start anew next season :)