English Premier League Suspends Season Due To Rapid Coronavirus Spread
Mar 13, 2020, 11:00 AM | Updated: 11:07 am
A general view of the Emirates Stadium, home to Arsenal Football Club on March 13, 2020 in London, England. It has been announced that all football league matches, including the Premier League and Women’s Super League, have been postponed until at least April 3 in response to the threat of coronavirus. This follows UEFA's decision to suspend fixtures in the Champion's League and the Europa League, as many top flight players enter self-isolation. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
(Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The English Premier League will be suspended until at least April 3. The announcement was made following Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta’s and 19-year-old Chelsea prodigy Callum Hudson-Odoi tested positive for Coronavirus.
“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,” Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters said.
The Premier League, FA, EFL and WSL have collectively agreed to postpone the professional game in England
Full statement: https://t.co/XcDyzBp4Ol pic.twitter.com/cmYjoY3LRR
— Premier League (@premierleague) March 13, 2020
Annually, the Premier League is slated for 38 games, that may have to be altered in 2020, however, in the statement released by the Premier League they are quoted saying “it is the Premier League’s aim to reschedule the displaced fixtures…when it is safe to do so”. Regardless, if the 2020 season were to finish now, Liverpool would be crowned champions as they have a 25 point lead over second-placed Manchester City.
If Coronavirus had not had disrupted proceedings the season was scheduled to finish in 10 games anyway. Liverpool would have to lose nearly every game from here on our whilst Manchester City would have to win every game, the chances were slim.
The Premier League’s postponement came during a 24-hour window where most professional and amateur sporting events were canceled, postponed or suspended.
The MLB, NHL, NBA, PGA Tour, NCAA, Champions League, Formula 1, along with many other sporting organizations have altered their original plans due to the Coronavirus.
