English Premier League calls off May restart
Because of coronavirus fears, England's top-tier football division Premier League won't resume play in early May.
The league “will not resume at the start of May” and “the 2019/20 season is only going to return when it's safe and appropriate to take action," the league said on its website Friday after a shareholders meeting.
In mid-March all professional football matches in England were called off to stem the virus’ spread.
The league also said that as the clubs are being squeezed financially by the pandemic, Premier League clubs will seek 30% income reductions for all players.
The league also unanimously voted to advance funds of £125 million ($153 million) to aid lower-division clubs.
As part of the fight the pandemic, the Premier League may also give £20 million to back the National Health Service (NHS).
After first appearing in Wuhan, China in December, the novel coronavirus has spread to at least 181 countries and regions.
Data published by the U.S.’ Johns Hopkins University shows worldwide infections surging past 1 million, with almost 57,000 deaths. Nearly 224,000 persons have recovered.
The U.K.-wide death toll from coronavirus rose 684 deaths in a day, British health authorities announced on Friday.
