In expected news, the English Premier League campaign has once again been pushed back. Originally, due to the growing COVID-19 concerns, the league was schedule to resume play on April 3.
However, during a conference call between all the clubs on Thursday, it has been decided to suspend the league to at least April 30. That wasn't the only big decision made during the call.
BREAKING: Premier League season suspended until at least April 30 but 2019-20 campaign 'extended indefinitely' | Full details here ⤵️ https://t.co/W5hiFhYGBU pic.twitter.com/PRvEAIYu4V
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) March 19, 2020
The clubs also agreed to wipe away the June 1 deadline to complete the season, and are extending things indefinitely. This, of course, is welcoming news for fans who were worried the season would be canceled and void. With Liverpool 25 points clear of first place, and with a strong hold of the title, it didn't seem fair to just end things.
Here's part of the statement the Premier League sent out on both decisions:
"We are united in our commitment to finding ways of resuming the 2019/20 football season and ensuring all domestic and European club league and cup matches are played as soon as it is safe and possible to do so. We have collectively supported UEFA in postponing EURO 2020 to create space in the calendar to ensure domestic and European club league and cup matches have an increased opportunity to be played and, in doing so, maintain the integrity of each competition.
The FA’s Rules and Regulations state that “the season shall terminate not later than the 1 June” and “each competition shall, within the limit laid down by The FA, determine the length of its own playing season."
At the earliest, football will return at the end of April. Keep in mind, though, things could end up getting pushed back if the coronavirus continues to spread. This will be a situation we'll have to continue monitoring. For now, keep April 30 circled on your calendars for when the action will resume.