More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
Gillingham fans won’t see their team in action until May at the earliest.
The Premier League, EFL and FA have confirmed that they have extended the suspension put in place last week until April 30.
On Tuesday, UEFA delayed Euro 2020 for 12 months and the EFL met yesterday to agree an emergency fund for clubs plus to confirm their commitment to finishing the 2019/20 season.
Today’s announcement follows a meeting between Premier League clubs.
The joint statement said: “The FA, Premier League, EFL and women’s professional game, together with the PFA and LMA understand we are in unprecedented times and our thoughts are with everyone affected by COVID-19.
“We are united in our commitment to finding ways of resuming the 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”.
“However, The FA’s Board has agreed for this limit to be extended indefinitely for the 2019/20 season in relation to Professional Football. Additionally, we have collectively agreed that the professional game in England will be further postponed until no earlier than 30 April.
“The progress of COVID-19 remains unclear and we can reassure everyone the health and welfare of players, staff and supporters are our priority.
“We will continue to follow Government advice and work collaboratively to keep the situation under review and explore all options available to find ways of resuming the season when the conditions allow. We would all like to re-emphasise that our thoughts are with everyone affected by COVID-19.”
Gills were due to play League 1 matches against Accrington (April 4), Coventry (April 10), Bolton (April 14), Tranmere (April 18) and Wycombe (April 25) next month.
