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Premier League Season Suspended Until It Is 'Safe And Appropriate' To Return

Premier League Season Suspended Until It Is 'Safe And Appropriate' To Return

Players could also face cuts to their wages

Rebecca Shepherd

Rebecca Shepherd

The Premier League season has now been suspended indefinitely and will only return when it is 'safe and appropriate'.

According to a statement from Premier League, players may also have a salary cut of 30 percent.

Earlier today a meeting was held with shareholders and clubs to discuss how they would respond to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The statement says: "It was acknowledged that the Premier League will not resume at the beginning of May - and that the 2019/20 season will only return when it is safe and appropriate to do so.

"The restart date is under constant review with all stakeholders, as the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic develops and we work together through this very challenging time.

"The Premier League is working closely with the whole of professional football in this country, as well as with the Government, public agencies and other relevant stakeholders to ensure the game achieves a collaborative solution."

It goes on to say that any return will only happen once the government supports the decision and medical guidance allows.

The closed Arsenal Underground Station near the Emirates Stadium.
PA

Turning to finances, and specifically those of the players, the statement continued: "In the face of substantial and continuing losses for the 2019/20 season since the suspension of matches began, and to protect employment throughout the professional game, Premier League clubs unanimously agreed to consult their players regarding a combination of conditional reductions and deferrals amounting to 30 per cent of total annual remuneration.

"This guidance will be kept under constant review as circumstances change. The League will be in regular contact with the PFA, and the union and the LMA will join a meeting which will be held tomorrow between the League, players and club representatives."

Finally, the statement explained how the Premier League would be committing £20 million ($24 million) to support the NHS during the pandemic.

The Premier League has committed £20 million to support the NHS.
PA

It said: "The League remains committed to supporting the National Health Service, its staff and helping people in communities, not least those who are most vulnerable.

"The League, clubs, players and managers express huge appreciation for the heroic efforts of NHS staff and all other key workers who are carrying out critical jobs in such difficult circumstances.

"In consultation with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, the Premier League is immediately committing £20 million to support the NHS, communities, families and vulnerable groups during the Covid-19 pandemic.

"This includes a direct financial contribution to the NHS and funds to enable clubs to refocus their efforts and develop significant outreach programmes to help communities, including those most in need.

"This funding will enable both immediate and longer-term support during the crisis."

It's okay to not panic. LADbible and UNILAD's aim with our series, Cutting Through, is to provide our community with facts and stories from the people who are either qualified to comment or have experienced first-hand the situation we're facing. For more information from the World Health Organisation on coronavirus, click here.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: News