Just hours after the Premier League confirmed that the season will continue, the football body has now reverted their decision and confirmed that the 2019/20 season has been suspended.
This recent development came after Leicester City, Arsenal and Chelsea were hit with the coronavirus, with Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta and Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi testing positive to the virus. The Premier League announced an emergency meeting of clubs at 10.30am on Friday morning in light of recent circumstances.
Everton joined Arsenal and Chelsea in lockdown after coronavirus related incidents, and at that meeting it was decided that the Premier League should be suspended for the next two game weeks, as the league will most likely resume next month.
The Premier League cited player safety as the reason for the suspension of the league, with the situation to be reviewed ahead of the weekend of April 4.
The Premier League has confirmed the recent development in a statement, thus: “The FA, Premier League, EFL and Barclays FA Women’s Super League and FA Women’s Championship have collectively agreed to postpone the professional game in England until 3 April at the earliest.
“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 resumption of the Premier League season will be subject to medical advice and conditions at the time, with Premier League Chief Exectuive Richard Masters saying: “Above all we wish Mikel Arteta and Callum Hudson-Odoi speedy recoveries, and everyone else affected by Covid-19.
“In this unprecedented situation, we are working closely with our clubs, government, the FA and EFL and can reassure everyone the health and welfare of players, staff and supporters are our priority.”
It’s still being suspected that the league might be suspended beyond the two weeks’ time frame, and UEFA have as well suspended European competitions that was billed for next week and beyond, with this summer’s Euro 2020 likely to be pushed until next year.