COVID-19: UEFA, Premier League suspend matches

LONDON, England – The governing board of European football, UEFA and the organisers of the Premeir League have suspended all games scheduled for weeks ahead till first week of April.

UEFA and organisers of the Premier League suspended all football encounters following the outbreak of Coronavirus, COVID-19 Pandemic which has killed over 4,000 people, 3,179 in China and over 1,000 in Italy besides, other countries.

Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters announced the suspension of the League matches after a meeting of Shareholders today where it was unanimously decided to suspend the Premier League with the intention of returning on 4 April, subject to medical advice and conditions at the time.

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“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”, Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters said.

Announcement by organisers of the Premier League came few minutes after UEFA suspended football competitions in Europe, including the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League.
UEFA

“In the light of developments due to the spread of COVID-19 in Europe and related decisions made by different governments, all UEFA club competitions matches scheduled next week are postponed.

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“This includes the remaining UEFA Champions League, Round of 16 second leg matches scheduled on 17 and 18 March 2020; all UEFA Europa League, Round of 16 second leg matches scheduled on 19 March 2020; all UEFA Youth League, quarter-final matches scheduled on 17 and 18 March 2020. Further decisions on when these matches take place will be communicated in due course”, UEFA said.

As a consequence of the postponements, all UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League quarter-final draws scheduled for 20 March have also been postponed.

UEFA on Thursday invited representatives of its 55 member associations, together with the boards of the European Club Association and the European Leagues and a representative of FIFPro, to a videoconference meeting on Tuesday 17 March to discuss European football’s response to the outbreak.