NON-LEAGUE football has finally followed the Premier League, EFL and WSL in suspending matches.
Professional football was put on hold for three weeks on Friday after Mikel Arteta and Callum Hudson-Odoi contracted the virus.
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The National League and FA confirmed on Monday that matches have been suspended due to coronavirusCredit: PA:Press Association
National League and grassroots matches controversially went ahead last weekend despite the growing concern over the outbreak of coronavirus in England.
But after Boris Johnson advised against mass gatherings, the rest of football in England finally decided it was best to pause the season.
Now England’s fifth tier will not play again until at least April 3 while the FA have said grassroots games are off indefinitely.
The National League said: “At its board meeting on Friday, the National League decided to use its best endeavours to keep its season going in the face of unprecedented adversity.
“However, with the current coronavirus reaching global pandemic levels it has to accept that the situation is now out of its own control.
“In the knowledge of the government measures now announced, including not to support sporting events with emergency services workers, it is clearly not practical for its fixtures to be fulfilled in the immediate future.
“In those circumstances and in line with the Football Association and the professional game, the National League has decided that its competition is now suspended until at least 3 April, 2020.
“The National League will continue to monitor the situation, but trusts that its loyal clubs, fans, players, officials, staff, volunteers and sponsors will accept that it has had no other choice but to reach this decision.”
The Women’s National League – which covers the third and fourth tiers – has also stopped competition but there is no scheduled return date set.
The FA, following government advice, had previously stated that any decision to continue playing or to postpone their respective grassroots competitions was down to each league.
But on Monday an FA statement read: “Following the Government’s announcement today, for people to avoid social contact and gatherings where possible, we are now advising that all grassroots football in England is postponed for the foreseeable future.
“Throughout this period, we have taken Government advice with the priority being the health and wellbeing of all. We will continue to work closely with the grassroots game during this time.
“We are in regular communication with the Government and the situation within English football at all levels remains under regular review. Further updates will follow as needed.”
Non-League and grassroots football went ahead as usual last weekendCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
