The Premier League has suspended all matches until at least April 3 due to the coronavirus pandemic. The news was announced after an emergency meeting between senior figures was held on Friday.
“Following a meeting of Shareholders [on Friday], 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,” the Premier League statement, released Friday, read.
An emergency meeting was called to take place on Friday to decide on action to stem the spread of infection following the news Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was confirmed as having tested positive for COVID19.
On the day league figures convened, the number of clubs with players in isolation had risen to five.
The threat of coronavirus infection across the Premier League became all the more real after news emerged on Thursday of Arteta’s positive test. The entire Arsenal first team squad plus staff members who had come into contact with Arteta were subsequently placed into self-isolation.
Later, Chelsea starlet Callum Hudson-Odoi was reported as having tested positive, triggering identical precautionary measures at his club.
Days earlier, Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers reported three members of his playing staff were showing symptoms of the disease, and Manchester City’s Benjamin Mendy placed himself in quarantine following a family member’s hospitalization.
Hours before the Premier League’s decision, Everton announced its entire first team would be self-isolating after first-team players showed signs of coronavirus symptoms, although they reported no confirmed cases.
Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters said he wished “speedy recoveries” to Arteta and England international Hudson-Odoi, as well as all those affected by the virus.
“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,” he said.
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Source: RT