League update 16/3/2020 matches off until 3/4/2020

All,

As everyone is aware the situation with regard to Covid-19 virus is changing rapidly and is clearly a worsening situation. On Friday 13/3/2020 we took the decision to cancel all the games scheduled for the Weekend and indicated that further updates would follow.

By way of background the FA nationally advised early on Friday 13/3/2020 that the Premier League/EFL etc would be postponed until the 3rd April. There was no mention of grassroots football. At 5.30 pm the FA indicated that grassroots football should continue but that the decision was down to local Leagues and Clubs with regard to the cancellation of fixtures. By this time ourselves in consultation with other local Leagues and in order to give clubs and players as much notice as possible had decided to cancel the games for the weekend.

I am already aware that some clubs have taken a decision not to play, some players are currently self isolating and some officials are also indicating they would not be available. I have also sought the views of members of the League Management Committee. The overriding view is that people’s health and well-being comes first and we don’t want to be messing clubs and players around on a week by week basis.

The League have therefore taken the decision that all games will be suspended up to and including the 3 April. A decision on whether games will be played beyond that date will be taken in the light of national advice on the situation.

Clearly this will have implications for the situation regarding the league and cup competitions but until we are in a position to know whether games will be played we can only speculate on the outcome.

I will keep you updated on the League position and in addition you will be able to get updates from other Leagues as well.

Regards

Alan
Alan Stuttard
Secretary
Mid Lancashire Football League

Mob : 07400606794