BREAKING: English Football Suspended Until April 3
English professional football has been suspended until April 3 following the outbreak of the coronavirus.
The decision was taken on Friday morning, a day after Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was tested positive for the virus.
The Football Association, Barclays FA Women’s Super League and FA Women’s Championship have also joined the EFL and Premier League in postponing their fixtures.
The new development means England's two friendlies against Italy and Denmark which was schedule for March 27 and 31 respectively at Wembley have also been postponed along with the FA Cup quarter-finals.
A collective statement from the English football body reads: "The FA, Premier League, EFL and Barclays FA Women's Super League and FA Women's Championship have collectively agreed to postpone the professional game in England until 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.”
"The postponements include all matches in the Championship, League One and League Two, as well as all Academy and youth team fixtures.”
"In addition, Clubs are being advised to suspend indefinitely all non-essential activities which include, but are not limited to, player appearances, training ground visits and fan meetings.”
"Whilst the EFL Board has continued to take the advice and guidance offered by the Government and its health advisors, emerging developments mean now is the time to implement football's contingency plans in response to the crisis.”
"A further update on these plans will be given post an EFL Board Meeting next week.”
"This decision has not been taken lightly, but the EFL must prioritise the health and well-being of players, staff and supporters while also acknowledging the Government's national efforts in tackling this outbreak.
