Premier League matches to be suspended until April over coronavirus outbreak

The Premier League has confirmed that English top flight matches will be suspended till the 4th of April, following Serie A, LaLiga and Ligue 1.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta and Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi have both been tested positive for coronavirus, with both clubs placing their players and staff under quarantine.

All PL, EFL and WSL matches starting from the upcoming gameweek will be postponed for the foreseeable future.

The pandemic has suspended various sporting events across the globe, the UEFA Champions League and Europa League also included.

The severity of the situation in Italy has led to a complete suspension of the league with Sampdoria striker Manolo Gabbiadini and Juventus defender Daniele Rugani contracting the virus.

In Spain, a first team player from Real Madrid’s basketball team tested positive, leading the club to place their squad under isolation. LaLiga promptly announced that all matches would be suspended for two weeks, even though no player in the league actually has the disease yet.

Arsenal have recently played Portsmouth and West Ham after their clash against Olympiacos (when the squad met the Greek side’s owner who has since tested positive). Chelsea have also played Everton and Liverpool over the last couple of weeks.

Given that it’s possible several players could have the disease but are awaiting test results, it seems like an unnecessary risk for matches to continue.

While the spread of the virus worldwide has been reducing slightly, there are still significant doubts over summer events like the Tokyo Olympics. Rumors have also suggested that UEFA will postpone the 2020 Euros to next year.

As of now, the Bundesliga is the only top 5 European league to have matches scheduled this weekend (behind closed doors). It’s highly likely that it will be suspended as well, given that 2 players from second division side Hannover have tested positive.