THE National League have confirmed that fixtures WILL go ahead this weekend – despite the rest of English football being shut down over the coronavirus pandemic.
The Premier League and EFL this morning announced the decision to suspend fixtures until at least April 3 – but the fifth and sixth tier have declined to follow suit.
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The National League will continue this weekendCredit: Getty Images – Getty
In an official statement, competition officials wrote: “Following a Board meeting held today, the National League has decided to allow matches in its three divisions to proceed as planned this weekend.
“The National League will keep the operation of its competition under constant and diligent review, and will remain in compliance with government advice at all times.
“The Football Association has offered its guidance, and made it clear the decision to continue or to suspend a competition is a matter for each league to make.
“The National League places the welfare and well-being of all those involved in and connected to its competition as the highest priority.”
Associations around the world have been keen to prevent large congregations of people gathering – with Ligue 1 having capped attendances at 1,000 prior to the full suspension of their league.
But some National League attendances this weekend will dwarf that number.
Notts County are set to host Eastleigh at 3pm tomorrow – having averaged home attendances of over 5,000 this season.
And Halifax’s home clash with Ebbsfleet now stands alone as Britain’s only televised fixture this weekend.
The disease has wreaked havoc with sport worldwide, with Mikel Arteta and Callum Hudson-Odoi currently English football’s most high-profile cases.
And today Everton, West Ham and Bournemouth joined Chelsea, Arsenal, Leicester and Watford in putting their squads into self-isolation.
Hammers manager David Moyes is among those in quarantine.
It comes with the UK gripped by the crisis with millions of Brits sent home from work with over 500 confirmed cases and 10 deaths.
Premier League and EFL suspended for three weeks over coronavirus after crisis talks
Fifth tier Notts County have averaged attendances of over 5,000 this seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Premier League chiefs have been under severe pressure to postpone or even cancel the season following similar measures across the globe.
They have announced that England’s top flight, along with the EFL, FA Cup and Women’s Super League have all been postponed until April 3.
England’s upcoming international friendlies at Wembley with Italy and Denmark have also been axed.
Chelsea FC’s Callum Hudson-Odoi says he has RECOVERED from coronavirus after self-isolating
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
