The Premier League, EFL and PFA have admitted that ‘difficult decisions will have to be taken’ about the remainder of the 2019/20 campaign amid the ‘growing seriousness’ of the coronavirus crisis.
It’s now 16 days since a professional English side last kicked a ball in anger, the domestic campaign being brought to a halt on March 13th after it was revealed that Mikel Arteta and Callum Hudson-Odoi had contracted the COVID-19 virus.
The domestic campaign was initially suspended until April 3rd, though has since been put back until April 30th, though it is highly unlikely that football will get back underway then, with cases of the virus still rising exponentially, and not due to peak for weeks to come.
Following their last postponement, the Premier League, EFL and FA announced their ‘commitment’ to completing the season, which could run well into the summer following the 12-month delay to Euro 2020.
However, a report on Friday suggested that there is a ‘growing appetite’ among Premier League clubs to completely scrap the season, with the governing bodies now admitted that ‘difficult decisions will have to be taken’.
“The Premier League, EFL and PFA met today and discussed the growing seriousness of the COVID-19 pandemic,” a statement reads.
“It was stressed that the thoughts of all three organisations continue to be with everyone affected by the virus.
“The Premier League, EFL and PFA agreed that difficult decisions will have to be taken in order to mitigate the economic impact of the current suspension of professional football in England and agreed to work together to arrive at shared solutions.
“The leagues will not recommence until April 30 at the earliest. They will only do so when it is safe and conditions allow.
“Further meetings will take place next week with a view to formulating a joint plan to deal with the difficult circumstances facing the leagues, their clubs, players, staff and fans.”
See also – The English clubs with the most points earned in the top flight since 1888
