ZCZC
BSP-17
FBL-ENG-PR-HEALTH-VIRUS
English football extends shutdown till April 30
LONDON, March 19, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – The shutdown of English football was
extended until at least April 30 on Thursday after the Premier League and
English Football League (EFL) held crisis meetings.
UEFA’s decision to postpone Euro 2020 for 12 months earlier this week
could allow games to be completed over the summer if strict restrictions of
travelling and mass gatherings to halt the spread of COVID-19 are lifted in
time.
“We’ve collectively agreed that the professional game in England will be
further postponed until no earlier than Thursday 30 April,” said a joint
statement by the Football Association, Premier League, EFL, players and
managers’ bodies.
However, the authorities still hope to finish the season once play can be
restarted rather than accepting the current standings as final or declaring
the campaign null and void.
“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,” added the
statement.
BSS/AFP/BZC/1930HRS