Coronavirus Crisis: The likelihood is that matches will not start again on 4 April, warns Isthmian League chairman Nick Robinson

ISTHMIAN LEAGUE chairman Nick Robinson says matches have been suspended until Friday 3 April 2020, at the earliest.

The Prime Minister Boris Johnson addressed the nation at five o’clock yesterday, insisting that the nation should “stay away from pubs, clubs, theatres and anywhere where there’s a close social gathering.”

The Isthmian League suspended their competition last Friday for a week - and football club’s and all other businesses are suffering from financial harm due to the coronavirus that has gripped the world.

“Following statements from the UK Government yesterday as well as statements from The FA, the Leagues forming Steps 1-4 of the National Leagues System with representatives of Steps 5-6 met by conference call and decided that all matches be suspended until April 3,” Mr Robinson said in a statement.

“The Isthmian League Board also met yesterday by video conference and agreed that all matches, including the Development League, the Youth League and Cup, The Women’s Cup and the Velocity Trophy be suspended until that date.

“The likelihood is that matches will not start again on 4 April, and in the meantime the League will work with all others in the game to ensure that clubs are kept up to date with the latest information.

“It cannot be stressed too much that these are unprecedented times. The Board will do what it can to ensure that football can recommence as soon as possible, and that the League does not put more pressure on clubs financially while the future is unknown.”

Visit the Isthmian League website: www.isthmian.co.uk