Confirmation: League suspended until April 3 earliest

Sky Sports News has confirmed 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.

The postponements include all matches in the Championship, League One and League Two, as well as all Academy and youth team fixtures.

It will also apply to all England team fixtures at every level and all FA competitions including the FA Cup and the Women’s FA Cup.

As ClaretandHugh had reported a few minutes ago, the ultimate decision – for now anyway – has been made and presumably under the duty of care ruling of the Leagues involved.

It comes of course after the medical authorities last nighy advised the government there was no need at the present to call off major sporting events.

However, with more cases of players being tested positive for Coronvirus one assumes the Leagues took this very much on board when making their decision.

There are no firm decisions at this stage of course as to when the game can be restated given that we are advised the peak for the epidemic could be several weeks ago.

And once again the question of whether the Leagues this season will be voided – ie they never happened –  will become a reality.

Should that be the case it will be the first time since the Second World War is has happened.

A PL statement reads “Following a meeting of Shareholders today, it was unanimously decided to suspend the Premier League with the intention of returning on 4 April, subject to medical advice and conditions at the time. Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters said: “Above all, we wish Mikel Arteta and Callum Hudson-Odoi speedy recoveries, and everyone else affected by COVID-19.

“In this unprecedented situation, we are working closely with our clubs, Government, The FA and EFL and can reassure everyone the health and welfare of players, staff and supporters are our priority. Despite the challenges, it is the Premier League’s aim to reschedule the displaced fixtures, including those played by Academy sides, when it is safe to do so. In this fast-moving environment, further updates will be provided when appropriate.”