LONDON: The English football season, whenever it resumes, will be extended until it has been completed — whenever that may be.

A joint statement from the FA Premier League and EFL insist they are committed to finishing the current season.

The Premier League clubs met today to discuss how to deal with the impact of the coronavirus stoppage and acted in conjunction with the FA, EFL and women’s game to release their initial thoughts.

All English football will remain suspended until the end of April, but crucially their joint statement revealed that the current 2019-20 season will be “extended indefinitely” as they look at ways of completing competitions.

A joint 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.”

The postponement of Euro 2020 opened up a window for domestic league fixtures to take place in June.

However, the UK government has effectively banned sports events for the time being by advising against mass gatherings.

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