No date for Premier League restart after virus crisis meeting
THE Premier League has indefinitely suspended the season following a meeting between clubs yesterday.
The Premier League originally postponed matches until April 3 amid the spread of the coronavirus, before the restart date was pushed back to April 30.
However, following the latest round of discussions, the Premier League have decided not to put a specific restart date on when matches will resume.
The Premier League have also donated £20m to support the NHS and 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 lower down the football pyramid 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.”
“In consultation with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, the Premier League is immediately committing £20m to support the NHS, communities, families and vulnerable groups during the 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.”
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.
City are second in the league, also in the quarterfinals of the FA Cup and midway through their Champions League round-of-16 tie with Real Madrid.