Premier League and EFL further suspend football matches until April 30

The FA, Premier League, EFL and women’s professional game together with the PFA and LMA, have announced football has been further postponed to April 30.

Football governing bodies in England - excluding non-league and grassroots - announced the extension via a joint statement on Thursday afternoon (March 19).

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Suspension extended

It means the ban will now extend for at least another 27 days following the outbreak of the coronavirus. It is unknown if leagues around Europe and worldwide will adopt the same approach.

It is likely the National League will follow in similar footsteps, though nothing is confirmed as of yet.

UEFA previously stated the season must be completed by June 30 providing it is ‘appropriate and prudent enough, however the FA have announced the season has been extended ‘indefinitely’.

This therefore calms claims - or fears - that the 2019/20 season could be null and void, with UEFA and organisations in England aiming to see club’s fixture lists fulfilled.

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Full statement

A full statement read: “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’.

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“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.”

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