All English professional football was suspended today for at least three weeks due to the coronavirus outbreak, with no matches in the Premier League, Championship, League One or Two due to take place until at least April 3.
The country’s top four leagues ratified a postponement in fixtures, including those due to take place this weekend, after Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta and Chelsea player Callum Hudson-Odoi both tested positive for the infection.
Three Leicester players are being tested and Everton’s squad in self-isolation after a player reported symptoms of the virus. European football’s governing body UEFA announced this morning that all next week’s Champions League and Europa League ties had been postponed, while England’s cricket tour of Sri Lanka was cut short.
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.
‘In this unprecedented situation, we are working closely with our clubs, Government, the FA and EFL and can reassure everyone the health and welfare of players, staff and supporters are our priority.’
The Premier League said it aims to reschedule the displaced fixtures ‘when it is safe to do so’, adding: ‘In this fast-moving environment, further updates will be provided when appropriate.’
Last night, Arteta, 37, became the first confirmed member of staff of a Premier League team to contract the disease, which was officially labelled a pandemic by the World Health Organisation on Wednesday.
News of Arteta’s diagnosis came less than an hour after the Premier League announced that this weekend’s fixtures would still be played as planned. He, and the entire first-team squad and coaching staff, will now be self-isolating in accordance with the most recent government guidelines.
Chelsea announced Hudson-Odoi, 19, had tested positive with COVID-19 at around midnight and said the training facility in Cobham, Surrey, will be partially closed.
Hudson-Odoi said in a video posted to Twitter this morning: ‘Hi guys, as you may be aware, I had the virus for the last couple of days, which I’ve recovered from. I’m following the health guidelines and self-isolating myself from everybody for the week. I hope to see everybody soon, and hopefully be back on the pitch very soon. Take care.’
Dailymail report.
