Coronavirus statements from clubs and leagues
The RFU: The RFU statement said: “Following government advice today, the Rugby Football Union (RFU) will suspend all rugby activity in England, at both professional and community level, including club training, league and cup matches plus rugby education courses from 17 March until 14 April subject to continued review. The decision has been taken following government advice in the interests of players, coaches, referees, volunteers, supporters and the wider rugby union community. Where possible, players at all levels are encouraged to maintain their own personal fitness and keep active during this time, while following government guidelines about safe distance and safe exercise environments. The RFU will continue to review and monitor government advice and will provide detailed updates on the impact to the season in the coming weeks.” Southern Combination Football League chairman Steve Nealrgove said: “In light of today’s announcement the SCFL will cease with all fixtures at adult, U23 and U18 from tonight. “This will be in place until 4 April, 2020. “The league will continue to review the information being made available and will advise clubs in due course.” Eastbourne Borough spokesman: “This development will come as no surprise, either to club officials or to supporters. The situation has escalated rapidly, and on Saturday there was a sense around the ground that our game against Maidstone United might well be the last for a while. It is only honest to say that the postponement of fixtures will entail challenges for all clubs at our level. But the club fully understands the gravity of the situation nationally. These are extraordinary and unprecedented times, and we will see it through along with the rest of the community. We offer our very strongest wishes and support to those on the frontline.” The EFL: “In light of overnight developments, the EFL Board has met this morning (March 13) to discuss the ever-changing circumstances posed by the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak. Having considered the increased number of cases affecting club players and staff, the Board were unanimous in their approach and it has been determined that all football activity scheduled to take place this weekend and until April 3, 2020 will be postponed. For the avoidance of any doubt this includes all matches in the Championship, League One and League Two, as well as all Academy and youth team fixtures, and will take us beyond the next international round. “The arrangement of training programmes for professional players in the interim period remains a matter for each individual Club and we advise all Academy training is suspended until April 3 2020. In addition to this the league instructs all clubs to suspend indefinitely all non-essential business which include, but are not limited to, player appearances, commercial activities training ground visits and fan meetings.
Crawley Town: “Following a meeting by the EFL this morning, a decision to suspend all fixtures until 3 April has been made. This will affect all first team games, starting with tomorrow’s game against Port Vale and also including games against Newport County (17th), Swindon Town (21st) and Cambridge United (28th). Crawley Town Football Club will support any decision which ensures the wellbeing of supporters, staff and players, whilst also preventing the spread of the virus. “A decision on the club’s day to day operations, including the hosting of events at The People’s Pension Stadium, will be made and communicated. In regards to ticketing, the club will continue to work with the EFL and the clubs we were due to play on a plan of action for the postponed matches. “Following discussions from Port Vale, supporters who have booked tickets for the fixture at Port Vale tomorrow will be able to receive a refund from the Crawley ticket office, once a decision regarding opening hours has been made, or can keep their ticket for the rearranged fixture. “We will continue to provide updates as and when applicable. South Saxons Hockey Club: We have been advised by Sussex Hockey that all hockey in Sussex is suspended until April 152020. South League who are responsible for the men’s 1s and 2s league also confirm that hockey is suspended until further notice. We will monitor and update members.”