National League football set to go ahead as planned despite Premier League and EFL suspension due to coronavirus fears – Hartlepool United v Sutton United ON

The Premier League and EFL announced that their respective seasons would be suspended until at least April 4 with the National League maintaining that they would be continuing as normal despite concerns surrounding the coronavirus outbreak.

This means National League matches will be the highest level of football still taking place in England this weekend.

Hartlepool travelled the length of the country on Friday ahead of their scheduled match at Gander Green Lane despite growing uncertainty surrounding all matches.

But now the National League has provided some clarity to the situation by announcing that matches in all three of its divisions will proceed as planned.

The statement read: “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. All Clubs and supporters are encouraged to stay up to date with the latest public health advice.”