EFL suspends matches amid coronavirus outbreak

The EFL season has been suspended due to coronavirus
George Flood13 March 2020

EFL matches have been suspended as part of the response to the coronavirus pandemic.

In a statement released on Friday morning, it was announced that the FA, Premier League, EFL, Women’s Super League and FA Women’s Championship had collectively agreed to postpone all professional football in England until at least April 3.

"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 statement read.

"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 EFL had initially released a statement on Thursday evening to announce that games would go ahead as normal, per Government advice.

The Premier League also initially confirmed that their matches would take place as scheduled, only to quickly then call an emergency club meeting for Friday morning after Arsenal announced that manager Mikel Arteta had tested positive for Covid-19.

That was followed by an announcement from Chelsea that teenage winger Callum Hudson-Odoi had also tested positive.​​

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