Five further Sunderland games postponed as FA release key statement on coronavirus outbreak

After the initial postponement last week, the game had been due to return on April 3rd, but the escalating crisis relating to the outbreak of COVID-19 meant that was highly unlikely.

The FA have also announced a relaxation of their current rules, which had previously stated that all seasons must finish by June 1st.

This has now been extended ‘indefinitely’.

After a key summit on Tuesday, UEFA said that domestic leagues had committed to trying to finish their seasons by June 30th.

However, there is a recognition that this may not be possible and the plan is subject to review.

On Wednesday night, the EFL restated its commitment to completing the current season, rather than declaring it null and void.

It also announced that it would be releasing £50 million in funds for clubs throughout the league pyramid to help them through the current crisis.

The FA’s statement means that five further Sunderland fixtures have now been suspended.

They are:

v Shrewsbury Town (H) April 4th v AFC Wimbledon (A) April 10th v Peterborough (H) April 13th v Burton (A) April 18th v Accrington Stanley (H) April 25th

The resumption of football remains subject to an improvement in the current crisis, and last night Portsmouth Chief Executive Mark Catlin admitted that the desire to complete the current campaign could yet lead to games being played behind closed doors.

The Full statement from the FA reads….

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're 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've 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, our Board has agreed for this limit to be extended indefinitely for the 2019-20 season in relation to professional football. Additionally, we've collectively agreed that the professional game in England will be further postponed until no earlier than Thursday 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.