English Premier League Extends Postponement Till April 30th

Due to increase in the spread of the deadly Coronavirus, the FA, Premier League, EFL and women’s professional game, together with the PFA and LMA, has all been further suspended until April 30th.

The new resumption date was announced in a statement released on Thursday (today) on the official website of the English Premier League.

The sports organisation noted in the announcement that the progress of COVID-19 remains unclear and hence the need to further suspend the games as the health and welfare of players, staff and supporters are of priority.

Read below the statement in full:

“The FA, Premier League, EFL and women’s professional game, together with the PFA and LMA, understand we are in unprecedented times and our thoughts are with everyone affected by COVID-19.”

“We are united in our commitment to finding ways of resuming the 2019/20 football season and ensuring all domestic and European club league and cup matches are played as soon as it is safe and possible to do so.”

“We have collectively supported UEFA in postponing EURO 2020 to create space in the calendar to ensure domestic and European club league and cup matches have an increased opportunity to be played and, in doing so, maintain the integrity of each competition.”

“The FA’s Rules and Regulations state that “the season shall terminate not later than the 1 June” and “each competition shall, within the limit laid down by The FA, determine the length of its own playing season”.

“However, The FA’s Board has agreed for this limit to be extended indefinitely for the 2019/20 season in relation to Professional Football.

“Additionally, we have collectively agreed that the professional game in England will be further postponed until no earlier than 30 April.”

“The progress of COVID-19 remains unclear and we can reassure everyone the health and welfare of players, staff and supporters are our priority. We will continue to follow Government advice and work collaboratively to keep the situation under review and explore all options available to find ways of resuming the season when the conditions allow.”

“We would all like to re-emphasise that our thoughts are with everyone affected by COVID-19.”

Meanwhile, the English Premier League clubs following deliberation on Wednesday, March 18, have agreed to complete the 2019/2020 league games.

According to reports on Thursday, the 20 member clubs have all voted to complete season games which were earlier forced to a pause due to the Coronavirus outbreak.