In light of overnight developments, the EFL Board has met this morning to discuss the ever-changing circumstances posed by the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Having considered the increased number of cases affecting Club Players and staff, the Board were unanimous in their approach and it has been determined that all football activity scheduled to take place this weekend and until April 3 2020 will be postponed.
For the avoidance of any doubt this includes all matches in the Championship, League One and League Two, as well as all Academy and youth team fixtures and will take us beyond the next international round.
The arrangement of training programmes for professional players in the interim period remains a matter for each individual Club and we advise all Academy training is suspended until April 3 2020.
In addition to this the League instructs all Clubs to suspend indefinitely all non-essential business which include, but are not limited to, player appearances, commercial activities training ground visits and fan meetings.
We also advise that Club Community Organisations cease their activities until April 3 2020.
I have also had the opportunity this morning to discuss the position with my counterparts at the FA and Premier League and we are all aligned on this difficult decision.
A statement will follow in due course.
Whilst the EFL Board has continued to take the advice and guidance offered of the government and its health advisors, emerging developments mean now is the time to press pause and take stock to enable the EFL, together with our Premier League and FA colleagues, to implement our contingency plans, which have been in preparation for a period of time.
A further update will be provided to Clubs post an EFL Board Meeting next week.
As many of you will be aware that UEFA meet on Tuesday to discuss their approach to Euro 2020 as well as Champions League/Europa League as well as the domestic situation facing the European Leagues and it is anticipated that the outcome of these deliberations may provide opportunities which may be beneficial to completing our League Season or at the very least inform our contingency planning.
Finally, and most importantly, the health and well-being of our community is of paramount importance and any player member of Club/CCO staff reporting symptoms of a persistent dry cough, breathing difficulties or fever must, in accordance with Government guidance, report the same to the Club, not to enter Club premises and self-isolate for a minimum of 7 days.
This is, of course, a situation that is developing at pace and we will endeavour to appraise you of developments as appropriate.