The EFL has confirmed that all Football League fixtures will be suspended for at least 3 weeks until Friday April 3 in response to the spread of infectious Coronavirus.
It means that Luton’s home clash with Preston North End tomorrow, Wednesday trip to Swansea City, and the away-day at Leeds United have all been postponed, with the visit of Reading to Kenilworth Road on April 4, the earliest the Hatters will be back in action.
However, it is thought that the suspension could carry on beyond that, although that is not the official position at present.
In a statement, the EFL said: ‘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.
‘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.’
The governing body yesterday issued a statement that games this weekend, including Luton v Preston would be going ahead after UK Government advice that there was ‘no medical rationale to close or cancel sporting events’.
The Premier League did likewise, but it then emerged that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta had tested positive for the Covid-19 strain of the disease, as well as Chelsea player Callum Hudson-Odoi, while three Leicester players and Manchester City ace Benjamin Mendy had all self-isolated after coming into potential contact with Coronavirus.
Both leagues this morning then held emergency meetings to discuss the crisis, which had already led to leagues across Europe and the USA suspending matches.
Luton manager Graeme Smith, who turns 50 today, had been due to conduct his pre-match Preston press conference with the media via video conferencing technology this lunchtime, after the club announced measures on Wednesday to limit the spread of Coronavirus.
