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18
Thu, Apr

Premier League Suspended Indefinitely

Football
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The Premier League, EFL, Women's Super League and Women's Championship, and all fixtures in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, have been further postponed, but will however complete the 2019/20 season.

The league season which was initially been suspended until April 4 has now been extended to April 30 at the earliest due to the coronavirus outbreak. From the outcome of the Thursday conference meeting, the FA and other association leagues in the UK are committed to ensuring the 2019-20 campaign is completed thereby changing an FA law to allow the season to be 'extended indefinitely' past the previous June 1 deadline to possible June 30.

According to the FA, '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're 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've 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, our Board has agreed for this limit to be extended indefinitely for the 2019-20 season in relation to professional football. Additionally, we've collectively agreed that the professional game in England will be further postponed until no earlier than Thursday 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.'

The postponement of Euro 2020 has opened up a window for domestic league fixtures to take place in June.

However, the UK government has effectively banned sports events for the time being by advising against mass gatherings.

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