COVID-19: English Premier League Postponed Indefinitely

By Akinwale Kasali

The earlier announcement made by England Football League Association that the suspended Barclays English Premier League will resume on April 30th, 2020, has been aborted.

The EPL had been suspended due to the Coronavirus Pandemic.

Now, the English FA has rescinded its  earlier decision, and postponed the resumption date indefinitely, in a new statement.

In a meeting held on Friday by the FA and the Clubs, it was unanimously decided that the League be suspended indefinitely.

The Premier League originally postponed matches until April 3 amid the spread of the coronavirus. Later, it was pushed to April 30.

The Premier League, which is the most watched and publicized League in the world has also donated £20million to support the National Health Service.

The clubs unanimously agreed to consult their players on the prospect of taking a 30 per cent pay cut to protect club employees. The Premier League also voted to advance funds of £125m to the EFL and National League amid fears clubs that some clubs could fold.

“It was acknowledged that the Premier League will not resume at the beginning of May – and that the 2019/20 season will only return when it is safe and appropriate to do so,” the statement said.

“The restart date is under constant review with all stakeholders, as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic develops and we work together through this very challenging time.

“The Premier League is working closely with the whole of professional football in this country, as well as with the Government, public agencies and other relevant stakeholders to ensure the game achieves a collaborative solution.

“With this, there is a combined objective for all remaining domestic league and cup matches to be played, enabling us to maintain the integrity of each competition.

“However, any return to play will only be with the full support of government and when medical guidance allows. The sporting and financial implications for Premier League clubs as well as for The FA, EFL and National League were considered at today’s meeting.

“In consultation with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, the Premier League is immediately committing £20 million to support the NHS, communities, families and vulnerable groups during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This includes a direct financial contribution to the NHS and funds to enable clubs to refocus their efforts and develop significant outreach programmes to help communities, including those most in need.

“In the face of substantial and continuing losses for the 2019/20 season since the suspension of matches began, and to protect employment throughout the professional game, Premier League clubs unanimously agreed to consult their players regarding a combination of conditional reductions and deferrals amounting to 30 per cent of total annual remuneration.”

Manchester United are fifth in the Premier League, in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup and midway through their Europa League round-of-16 tie with LASK Linz. Manchester City are second in the league, also in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup and midway through their Champions League round-of-16 tie with Real Madrid. City has 10 more league fixtures to fulfil while United has none.

UEFA also remains committed to finishing the Europa and Champions League campaigns.