A joint statement was issued by major football authorities following a “ constructive ” day of meetings on Wednesday, with further discussion on issues that will affect all professional clubs in England – including Manchester United and Manchester City – within the next 48 hours.
The Premier League, the English Football League, the Association of Professional Footballers and the Association of League Managers have stressed that “top priority” is the health and well-being of the nation.
Constructive meetings have taken place and the calendar for the next few days has been set, with discussions planned to focus on a number of issues – including player salaries and the resumption of the 2019/20 season.
A joint statement released on Wednesday evening said: “Senior representatives from the PFA, Premier League, EFL and LMA met today and shared a constructive meeting regarding the challenges facing the game following the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The meeting reiterated that the top priority is the health and well-being of the nation – including that of players, coaches, managers, club staff and supporters – and everyone agreed that football should only come back when it is safe and appropriate to do so.
“No decision has been made today and discussions are expected to continue in the next 48 hours, focusing on several high-profile issues, including player wages and the resumption of the 2019/20 season.”
Premier League and EFL matches are currently on hold until April 30 at the earliest, pending an extension of the suspension as the nation battles the worst public health crisis in decades.
Earlier on Wednesday, UEFA confirmed that the international matches scheduled for June have been postponed indefinitely, as well as the Champions League and the Europa League, without specifying when the other rounds of the competition will end.
