Football suspended until 30th April at least

[Chester Perry]

probably much longer I would say

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/51962751

[Chester Perry]

looks like the plan is to finish the season whenever that may be

[elwaclaret]

Agree.

Think finishing the season will throw up some strange results (for players used to 50k cheering them on) But I certainly cannot see spectator sports being back on the agenda by the end of May which seems likely to be the outcome today... allowing players to come out of training.

At least they will be fresh when they come back... assuming they won’t be too old by then.

[colner]

At this rate,the Qatar world cup will be in the close season

[Tricky Trevor]

Statement from the Leagues.

“ 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.

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.

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.”

[paulatky]

Shows how out of touch the games leaders are suggesting a date of 30th April 2020.

Should at the earliest have been 30th June but in reality will be a lot longer than that.

[Holtyclaret]

Shows how out of touch the games leaders are suggesting a date of 30th April 2020.

Should at the earliest have been 30th June but in reality will be a lot longer than that.

Surely a month at a time makes more sense as it’s a fast moving and fluid scenario. Ruling out may and June right now would be a silly thing to do.

[dsr]

They could play behind closed doors tomorrow. Many other people have to work, and their would be a definite morale uplift if there was some football on the telly.

[KateR]

for sure in my opinion will change again, it is what it is until someone defines it safe to do so, being on the caution side will be a good thing.

[Tricky Trevor]

No word on FA Cup but leagues must be priority.

[paulatky]

Surely a month at a time makes more sense as it’s a fast moving and fluid scenario. Ruling out may and June right now would be a silly thing to do.

Lets discuss again in 6 weeks.

Havent the games leaders been listening to news updates and reports. The number of cases in the present lockdown wont have peaked by then.
Norfolk and Chance it will be able to restart on 1st May.

[Elbarad]

Lets discuss again in 6 weeks.

Havent the games leaders been listening to news updates and reports. The number of cases in the present lockdown wont have peaked by then.
Norfolk and Chance it will be able to restart on 1st May.

They can always extend the suspension of the season as we get closer to the end of April. This doesn't rule out a further suspension if conditions warrant it. Seems sensible to me. Just think how much things have changed in the past week alone. Silly to box yourself into anything.

[Holtyclaret]

Lets discuss again in 6 weeks.

Havent the games leaders been listening to news updates and reports. The number of cases in the present lockdown wont have peaked by then.
Norfolk and Chance it will be able to restart on 1st May.

I’m not saying it will, who knows. But a fortnight/month at a time to update seems fine to me.

[paulatky]

Surely a month at a time makes more sense as it’s a fast moving and fluid scenario. Ruling out may and June right now would be a silly thing to do.

Boris didnt sound very convincing when he said 10 minutes ago that “he hoped to turn the tide of this virus in 12 weeks”
Turning the tide is very different to beating it.

To me its silly to even consider the possibility of restarting in May or June.

We are still only at the very very early stage of this.

[Holtyclaret]

Who knows eh. The experts can’t be sure so we’ll see and hopefully cross our collective fingers that it’s as soon as is possible. By that I mean control of the virus, not football Re-starting.

[Elizabeth]

I think this is a good statement whatever the reality of the situation might be to some people.
One of the important challenges over the coming weeks is to keep up our and our neighbours' morale.
Imagine how deflating it would be if the statement had read ' until the end of May' when we are only just over the half way point in March.
We have to remain positive that something happens over the coming weeks. Sorry if that upsets the know alls ( sorry I meant to say realists)

[Woodleyclaret]

Boris is talking bxxxcks
He had no idea if covid 19 will last 12 weeks ,he is clutching at straws

[taio]

Boris is talking bxxxcks
He had no idea if covid 19 will last 12 weeks ,he is clutching at straws

He didn't say that.

[paulatky]

I’m not saying it will, who knows. But a fortnight/month at a time to update seems fine to me.

To me that seems stupid and just indicates those making the statement have no understanding of the situation.

ECB announced that all forms of recreational cricket are cancelled forthwith.