British Football has been suspended as part of 10-day national mourining following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
The decision to suspend all competitve domestic football across the United Kingdom came following discussions between Premier League, EFL, Women’s Super League, England FA, Scottish FA and FA Wales with government officials.
No football matches will therefore take place across this weekend following the confirmed postponement of tonight’s scheduled fixtures, which were set to see Norwich and Stockport County visit Burnley and Tranmere in Championship and League Two respectively.
The English Football League (EFL) have released the following statement: “Further to discussions on Friday morning it has been determined that all EFL fixtures from 9-10 September will be postponed as a mark of respect by the National Sport to the passing of HRH Queen Elizabeth II.
“This is aligned with the approach that the Premier League and the FA will take with their competitions this weekend.”
EFL officials have also confirmed that further details on how football, clubs and supporters can pay their respects will be confirmed in due course when appropriate to do so, alongside information for rearranged fixtures and whether matches scheduled for midweek and next weekend will go ahead or not.
Premier League’s Chief Executive, Richard Masters meanwhile issued a statement on behalf of top-flight clubs, in which he said: “We and our clubs would like to pay tribute to Her Majesty’s long and unwavering service to our country.
“As our longest-serving monarch, she has been an inspiration and leaves behind an incredible legacy following a life of dedication.
“This is a tremendously sad time for not just the nation, but also for the millions of people around the world who admired her, and we join together with all those in mourning her passing.”
Premier League officials like EFL counterparts have also confirmed that details of fixture rescheduling will be provided when appropriate in due course, although the M23 derby between Brighton and Crystal Palace on Saturday 17 September is already postponed due to rail strikes.
Women’s Super League was set to commence the new season this weekend on a wave of high positivity following England’s home success at 2022 UEFA Women’s Euro this summer, but organisers have also opted to postpone the opening round of fixtures.
FA Women’s Championship and Non-League have also decided to postpone this weekend’s fixtures as confirmed in a tweet by The FA, which also stated that men’s Non-League fixtures are also postponed this weekend.
As a mark of respect to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, English football has united to postpone all football fixtures this weekend. pic.twitter.com/k6bqNu6arf
— The FA (@FA) September 9, 2022
Northern Ireland meanwhile have already confirmed postponement of fixtures and footballing activities across all levels of their footballing pyramid for this weekend.
Scottish Football have also followed suit with Scottish FA President, Rod Petrie issuing the following statement: “We spoke with our counterparts across the UK this morning and in discussions with our colleagues across the professional game in Scotland it was agreed that this was the appropriate step to take following the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
“We will work with our clubs and members in the meantime to ensure appropriate steps are taken throughout the period of mourning.”
SPFL Chief Executive, Neil Doncaster added his own tribute to the Queen within the official Scottish FA statement, in which he said: “The passing of The Queen, a constant in our lives for 70 years, is a profound and momentous occasion. It is therefore appropriate that professional football marks this event with all possible solemnity.”
Scottish FA will communicate details of fixture rescheduling in due course.
England’s upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures in late September which sees them visit Italy on 23 September then host Germany on 26 September, will both go ahead due to falling after the conclusion of national mourning with same applying for Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales’ fixtures.
This decision to suspend footballing activity marks a radical departure from protocols following the death of King George VI, which saw fixtures take place as scheduled on the weekend following his death with only rugby and hockey matches cancelled.
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