BREAKING: EFL suspend Football League season due to coronavirus outbreak

Luton Town's match against Preston this weekend is cancelledLuton Town's match against Preston this weekend is cancelled
Luton Town's match against Preston this weekend is cancelled | jpimedia
Luton Town's matches with Preston, Swansea and Leeds all postponed

The EFL have announced this morning that the Football League season has been suspended until early April due to the coronavirus outbreak.

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It was announced yesterday that it was business as usual, meaning Luton Town's game with Preston North End would go ahead.

However, news emerged last night, that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and England and Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi had tested positive, meaning the Gunners' Premier League game with Brighton was postponed, while three Leicester City players went into in self-isolation, as did the whole Everton squad.

An emergency meeting was held this morning, with a statement from the EFL saying: "The FA, Premier League, EFL and Barclays FA Women’s Super League and FA Women’s Championship have collectively agreed to postpone the professional game in England until 3 April at the earliest.

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"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.

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"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."

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