Latest Preston North End news: Football now suspended until April 30 and season extended 'indefinitely' beyond June 1

English football has further been suspended until April 30 amid the coronavirus pandemic and the season will be extended 'indefinitely' to enable it to be played to a finish.
By Dave Seddon
Published 19th Mar 2020, 13:31 BST
Updated 19th Mar 2020, 13:32 BST
Preston North End's Deepdale groundPreston North End's Deepdale ground
Preston North End's Deepdale ground

A joint statement was released by the Premier League and EFL on Thursday afternoon after the boards of both organisations had met over the last two days.

Last Friday, the season had been put on hold until the first weekend in April.

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That date had always been designed to give breathing space while football explored what to do next.

FA rules currently state that a season should finish by June 1 but that time limit has been extended indefinitely.

It is likely that the campaign will go on until the summer, with clubs feeling it is vital the season is completed.

The statement from the Premier League and EFL read: "The FA, Premier League, EFL and women’s professional game, together with the PFA and LMA, understand we are in unprecedented times and our thoughts are with everyone affected by Covid-19.

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"We are 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.

"We have collectively supported UEFA in postponing EURO 2020 to create space in the calendar to ensure domestic and European club league and cup matches have an increased opportunity to be played and, in doing so, maintain the integrity of each competition.

"The FA’s Rules and Regulations state that "the season shall terminate not later than the 1 June" and "each competition shall, within the limit laid down by The FA, determine the length of its own playing season".

"However, The FA’s Board has agreed for this limit to be extended indefinitely for the 2019/20 season in relation to Professional Football.

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"Additionally, we have collectively agreed that the professional game in England will be further postponed until no earlier than 30 April.

"The progress of Covid-19 remains unclear and we can reassure everyone the health and welfare of players, staff and supporters are our priority. We will continue to follow Government advice and work collaboratively to keep the situation under review and explore all options available to find ways of resuming the season when the conditions allow.

"We would all like to re-emphasise that our thoughts are with everyone affected by Covid-19."

Related topics:Premier LeagueEFLCovid-19PFA