THE EFL has been suspended until April 3 as coronavirus wiped out more sporting fixtures.
Football in England was due to go ahead this weekend as normal despite cancellations across Europe.
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There will be no EFL matches until April 4 as a precaution to stop coronavirus spreading furtherCredit: Getty Images – Getty
But now after an emergency meeting this morning, the Football League have put all games on hold.
The EFL board agreed unanimously that as a precautionary measure all matches in the Championship, League One and League Two would be temporarily suspended.
The FA, Premier League and Women’s Super League followed suit with a suspension with no games to be played until at least April 3 – after the upcoming international break – in an attempt to try and prevent coronavirus spreading further.
An EFL statement read: “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.”
The latest postponement comes with the football world in crisis as Uefa also announced ALL Champions League and Europa League matches scheduled for next week have been postponed.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and Chelsea star Callum Hudson-Odoi have tested positive for the deadly bug.
Today Everton and Bournemouth joined Chelsea, Arsenal, Leicester and Watford in putting their squads into self-isolation.
Chelsea FC’s Callum Hudson-Odoi says he has RECOVERED from coronavirus after self-isolating
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
