LONDON, March 13 (Xinhua) -- The Premier League has been suspended until at least April 3 due to the outbreak of the coronavirus.
The Football Association, the English Football League and FA Women's Super League and FA Women's Championship have also collectively agreed to postpone the professional game in England until April 3 at the earliest.
In a statement released on Friday, the Premier League said: "Following a meeting of shareholders today, it was unanimously decided to suspend the Premier League with the intention of returning on 4 April, subject to medical advice and conditions at the time."
Late on Thursday night, London club Arsenal confirmed their manager Mikel Arteta had tested positive for the coronavirus. Their city rivals Chelsea also revealed Friday morning that winger Callum Hudson-Odoi was infected by coronavirus but the 19-year-old is feeling well and recovered from the virus' symptoms.
Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters said: "Above all, we wish Mikel Arteta and Callum Hudson-Odoi speedy recoveries, and everyone else affected by COVID-19.
"In this unprecedented situation, we are working closely with our clubs, government, the FA and EFL and can reassure everyone the health and welfare of players, staff and supporters are our priority."
It will also apply to all England team fixtures at every level and all FA competitions including the Emirates FA Cup and the Women's FA Cup, along with academy and youth team matches.
It means that the England senior men's fixtures against Italy and Denmark in London at the end of this month have been called off.
At least six Premier League clubs including Everton, Arsenal, Bournemouth, Chelsea, Leicester City, and Manchester City have players in self-isolation.
The FA said: "The decision is being made purely on the number of cases requiring self-isolation and the impact on facilities. Given the steps being taken across clubs, there is no alternative but for today's action. However, all parties are committed at this time to trying to complete this season's domestic fixture program and are liaising to establish appropriate options to do so."
The EFL, the governing body of the Championship, League One and League Two said: "This decision has not been taken lightly, but the EFL must prioritize the health and well-being of players, staff and supporters while also acknowledging the government's national efforts in tackling this outbreak."
So far, there have been more than 590 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Britain with 10 deaths.
