Europe's premier football club competition, the UEFA
Champions League, the English Premier league and the French football league
have suspended all it's matches in light of the current global crisis being
caused by the Coronavirus outbreak.
Sporting events across Europe have been put on a hold as
European governments aim to quell the spread of the virus.
UEFA posting on it's official website, said ''In the light
of developments due to the spread of COVID-19 in Europe and related decisions
made by different governments, all UEFA club competitions matches scheduled
next week are postponed.
This includes the remaining UEFA Champions League, Round of
16 second leg matches scheduled on 17 and 18 March 2020; all UEFA Europa
League, Round of 16 second leg matches scheduled on 19 March 2020; all UEFA
Youth League, quarter-final matches scheduled on 17 and 18 March 2020.''
''Further decisions on when these matches take place will be
communicated in due course.As a consequence of the postponements, the UEFA
Champions League and UEFA Europa League quarter-final draws scheduled for 20
March have also been postponed.UEFA yesterday invited representatives of its 55
member associations, together with the boards of the European Club Association
and the European Leagues and a representative of FIFPro, to a videoconference
meeting on Tuesday 17 March to discuss European football’s response to the outbreak.''
The English premier league after a meeting with all 20 club
representatives today, also suspended all footballing activity till April 4.
Posting on it's official website the Premier league wrote;
''Following a meeting of Shareholders today, it was
unanimously decided to suspend the Premier League with the intention of
returning on 4 April, subject to medical advice and conditions at the time.
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."
Despite the challenges, it is the Premier League's aim to
reschedule the displaced fixtures, including those played by Academy sides,
when it is safe to do so.
In this fast-moving environment, further updates will be
provided when appropriate.''
