Izuchukwu OkosiThe Premier League, EPL, FA and the English Football League – have announced that the league fixtures for this weekend will be postponed following the demise of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday.
Prime Business Africa had reported on Thursday that the Queen’s death could force postponements in scheduled weekend sporting events, a report now confirmed by today’s announcement.
The Premier League and other football bodies met on Friday to take unanimous decisions of postponing the league harms in all divisions despite the government’s go-ahead of the matches as it is the prerogative of individual organisations.
To this end, the Premier League and the EFL released official statements on Friday regarding their decision to honour the memory of the late monarch.
Richard Masters, Premier League Chief Executive, said: “We and our clubs would like to pay tribute to Her Majesty’s long and unwavering service to our country.
“As our longest-serving monarch, she has been an inspiration and leaves behind an incredible legacy following a life of dedication.
“This is a tremendously sad time for not just the nation, but also for the millions of people around the world who admired her, and we join together with all those in mourning her passing.”
This is aligned with the approach that The FA and EFL will take with their competitions this weekend.
Further updates regarding Premier League fixtures during the period of mourning will be provided in due course.
The official website of the Premier League had written the following tribute to the late monarch on Thursday.
“The Premier League is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Her Majesty The Queen, Elizabeth II.
“Our thoughts and condolences are with The Royal Family and everyone around the world mourning the loss of Her Majesty.
On the EFL fixtures from 9-10 September postponed as a mark of respect by the National Sport to the passing of the Queen, Richard Masters, Prem Executive said: “This is a tremendously sad time for not just the nation but also for the millions of people around the world who admired her, and we join together with all those in mourning her passing.”
Latest Government guidance stated: “There is no obligation to cancel or postpone events and sporting fixtures, or close entertainment venues during the National Mourning period. This is at the discretion of individual organisations.
“As a mark of respect, organisations might wish to consider cancelling or postponing events or closing venues on the day of the State Funeral. They are under no obligation to do so and this is entirely at the discretion of individual organisations.”
However, Sunday’s Great North Run will go ahead, while racing’s St Leger will also take place then, having been pushed back 24 hours.
In rugby union, both Gallagher Premiership matches scheduled for Friday have been postponed, but matches already scheduled for Saturday and Sunday will go ahead.
Izuchukwu Okosi is a Nigerian sports and entertainment journalist with two decades of experience in the media industry having begun his media journey in 2002 as an intern at Mundial Sports International (MSI) and Africa Independent Television (AIT), owners of Daar Communications Plc.
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