EFL suspends all matches until April 3rd at the earliest following COVID-19 outbreak
The EFL has announced that all matches have been suspended until April 3rd at the earliest.
The EFL has taken action to combat the spread of Coronavirus that has affected the world of sport in other countries.
A statement from the EFL read:
This action, which will be kept under constant review, has been taken due to the increasing numbers of Clubs taking steps to isolate their players and staff because of the COVID-19 virus.
The postponements include all matches in the Championship, League One and League Two, as well as all Academy and youth team fixtures.
In addition, Clubs are being advised to suspend indefinitely all non-essential activities which include, but are not limited to, player appearances, training ground visits and fan meetings.
Whilst the EFL Board has continued to take the advice and guidance offered by the Government and its health advisors, emerging developments mean now is the time to implement football’s contingency plans in response to the crisis.
A further update on these plans will be given post an EFL Board Meeting next week.
This decision has not been taken lightly, but the EFL must prioritise the health and well-being of players, staff and supporters while also acknowledging the Government’s national efforts in tackling this outbreak.”
It means that both Millwall and Charlton’s next three fixtures will be postponed. Should the season recommence on the weekend of April 3rd, it will recommence with the South London derby between the Lions and the Addicks at The Valley on Saturday, April 4th.
Millwall have released a statement saying they note the decision made by the EFL.
“Millwall Football Club notes the decision of the game’s governing bodies to suspend all fixtures across the Premier League and EFL until at least 3rd April as a result of the situation surrounding the Covid-19 outbreak.
That directive means that the club’s upcoming matches against Derby County, Barnsley and Swansea City will be postponed. Millwall will continue to liaise with the relevant organisations to ascertain when these fixtures will be rearranged and will update fans when more information becomes clear.
An enhanced statement will be released in due course.”
Charlton are yet to comment.
What it all means is that Millwall’s games against Derby, Barnsley and Swansea are off along with Charlton’s games against Hull, QPR and Cardiff are all postponed.