The Premier League has delayed the 2019-20 season until at least April 30th due to the coronavirus outbreak and they also expressed their desire to ensure the campaign is completed.
Top-flight clubs debated various plans to complete the season when they met via a conference call on Thursday morning, and they finally agreed that all professional football in England will not resume until the 30th of April at the earliest.
A statement from the Premier League, EFL and the Football Association, along with the Women's professional game, the Professional Footballers' Association and the League Managers' Association confirmed the suspension had to be extended beyond the initial April 4.
The FA board have also agreed to extend indefinitely this season's end date which is usually the 1st of June after UEFA decided to postpone the Euro 2020 finals for another 12 months.
Finishing the 2019-20 campaign was the objective and as things stand there are ongoing talks with broadcast partners.
The statement read: "The FA, Premier League, EFL and women’s professional game, together with the PFA and LMA, understand we are in unprecedented times and our thoughts are with everyone affected by COVID-19.
"We are united in our commitment to finding ways of resuming the 2019/20 football season and ensuring all domestic and European club league and cup matches are played as soon as it is safe and possible to do so.
"We have collectively supported UEFA in postponing EURO 2020 to create space in the calendar to ensure domestic and European club league and cup matches have an increased opportunity to be played and, in doing so, maintain the integrity of each competition.
"The FA’s Rules and Regulations state that "the season shall terminate not later than the 1 June" and "each competition shall, within the limit laid down by The FA, determine the length of its own playing season".
"However, The FA’s Board has agreed for this limit to be extended indefinitely for the 2019/20 season in relation to Professional Football.
"Additionally, we have collectively agreed that the professional game in England will be further postponed until no earlier than 30 April.
"The progress of COVID-19 remains unclear and we can reassure everyone the health and welfare of players, staff and supporters are our priority. We will continue to follow Government advice and work collaboratively to keep the situation under review and explore all options available to find ways of resuming the season when the conditions allow.
"We would all like to re-emphasise that our thoughts are with everyone affected by COVID-19."
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