The English top-flight has followed the lead of Serie A, La Liga, MLS and Ligue 1 by announcing that all upcoming fixtures will have to be rearranged.
The Premier League has announced that all upcoming fixtures will be postponed until April 3 at the earliest.
Leading divisions across Europe and around the world have already taken that course of action in a bid to contain the spread of Covid-19 – Serie A, La Liga, MLS and Ligue 1 will all be taking in enforced breaks as a global pandemic continues to wreak havoc.
And, after an emergency meeting on Friday, the decision has been made that all forms of professional football in England be postponed until at least the beginning of next month.
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It was revealed on Thursday that Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta and Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi had contracted coronavirus, while Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy has been forced into a period of self-isolation, along with a number of Leicester City players.
As well as the Premier League, matches across the Football League in England will also be brought to a halt, along with fixtures in the Women’s game and the two friendly internationals that England was due to play against Italy and Denmark.
A statement from the FA read: “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.
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“UEFA had already confirmed that all Elite Round qualifiers across U17 and U19 age groups had been postponed. Europe’s governing body will meet on Tuesday to discuss further implications for international football including national-team and club competitions.
“We will continue to monitor all Government advice with the situation under constant review, with the priority being the health and well-being of all. Further updates will follow in due course.”
“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.’
“As a result, the SPFL has announced the postponement of this weekend’s and following midweek’s fixtures, starting with tonight’s Premiership match between Motherwell and Aberdeen and the Championship match between Queen of the South and Ayr United.
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