The FA announce 2019-2020 season extended 'indefinitely'

In a joint statement today it was announced that the suspension of football in England would be extended until at least 30th April. Given the ever more severe guidance from the government it was only a matter of time before this announcement but there was also some positive news about the status of the 2019-2020 season. With the Euro 2020 now pushed back a year there is time in the summer to get the domestic season finished and the authorities have confirmed the 2019-2020 season will be extended indefinitely to allow this to happen. 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.”

Extending the season and allowing it to finish is the only sensible option. Moves this week from UEFA and the FA allow the time for further planning in order to achieve this. Hopefully now this announcement will put and end to the kind of reactionary self-centred comments we have seen from the likes of Karen Brady. It is only right for teams to be given the chance to save themselves from relegation or earn their titles.