The Premier League insist they will do whatever it takes to finish the season. This comes after concerns were raised by FA chairman Greg Clarke that coronavirus may force it to be abandoned.
Clarke was part of the meeting which reached the landmark decision to stop all professional football in England until at least April 3.
He expressed fears via a video-link that the much longer delay that will probably be needed to clear the threat of coronavirus from the game could put pressure on the Premier League being able to finish their season.
Rumours that two of the clubs, believed to be Tottenham and West Ham, were to propose cancelling the league proved unfounded as all 20 representatives at the meeting were in unanimous support of pushing to get the season finished.
More will be known at a similar meeting next Thursday, two days after UEFA decide on the fate of their European competitions and Euro 2020.
Wales Six Nations’ game against Scotland and the Master golf competition were also postponed after the joint football announcement was made, which included the cancellation of the upcoming England friendly internationals against Denmark and Italy.
All of which makes the chance of playing the European Championships this summer increasingly slim.
While that would offer some extra time to get domestic competitions completed, there is little respite.
With football contracts typically running until June 30, as it stands there could be a summer free-for-all in terms of movement of players which would destroy the integrity of the Premier League if it spills over until July.
However, with broadcast experts predicting a bill of around £750m in compensation if the league does not reach a conclusion, the Premier League will do anything in its power to get games over the line.
This could include playing behind closed doors, with plans to do so already at an advanced stage before the all-out postponement was called.
In their statement about pausing the league for a fortnight, 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.
“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.’
“Despite the challenges, it is the Premier League’s aim to reschedule the displaced fixtures, including those played by Academy sides, when it is safe to do so.
“In this fast-moving environment, further updates will be provided when appropriate.”
Likewise, scheduled UEFA matches next week have been postponed ahead of their videoconference meeting on Tuesday to discuss the future of their club and international competitions.
UEFA said: “In the light of developments due to the spread of COVID-19 in Europe and related decisions made by different governments, all UEFA club competitions matches scheduled next week are postponed.
“This includes the remaining UEFA Champions League, Round of 16 second leg matches scheduled on 17 and 18 March 2020; all UEFA Europa League, Round of 16 second leg matches scheduled on 19 March 2020; all UEFA Youth League, quarter-final matches scheduled on 17 and 18 March 2020.
“Further decisions on when these matches take place will be communicated in due course.
“As a consequence of the postponements, the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League quarter-final draws scheduled for 20 March have also been postponed.
“UEFA yesterday invited representatives of its 55 member associations, together with the boards of the European Club Association and the European Leagues and a representative of FIFPro, to a videoconference meeting on Tuesday 17 March to discuss European football’s response to the outbreak.”
