All Premier League matches have been postponed until April after a number of stakeholders, including players and managers, tested positive for the coronavirus.
Premier League had earlier announced that the fixtures will go on normally but after recent events especially where Arsenal’s manager tested positive, the league was called off.
The new directive will also affect the EFL, FA, WSL matches until April 4, 2020. “Following a meeting of Shareholders today, 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,” Premier League announced.
“The Premier League, FA, EFL, and WSL have collectively agreed to postpone the professional game in England.”
The announcement came after Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta and Chelsea player Callum Hudson-Odoi were both confirmed positive for the coronavirus. Both Mikel Arteta and Odoi are under isolation, including their respective team members who recently interacted with them.
Arsenal’s squad has been under quarantine for the past two weeks after they had interacted with Olympiakos’ boss who tested positive for the coronavirus. They will now be forced to add another two weeks.
Man City and France defender Benjamin Mendy has also been isolated after he started showing suspicious symptoms of the virus. Three Leicester City players have also self-isolated after showing symptoms of the virus.
Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters said: " Above all, we wish Mikel Arteta and Callum Hudson-Odoi speedy recoveries, and everyone else affected by COVID-19.
However, the Premier League stated that “despite the challenges, it is the Premier League’s aim to reschedule the displaced fixtures, including those played by Academy sides, when it is safe to do so.”
Serie A postponed its fixtures after Juventus defender tested positive for the coronavirus. This prompted the whole of the Juventus squad to go for self-isolation for 14 days.
Other leagues have not yet confirmed the suspension of their next fixtures but it is most likely they would do so in due time. UEFA and FIFA are yet to give a statement on the Coronavirus.
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