Sheffield United players will be asked to defer 30 per cent of their wages as start date is rolled back

The governing body released a statement, confirming the fixture suspension it imposed last month in wake of the global health pandemic will not be lifted on April 30 as planned.

Members of United’s hierarchy took part in the teleconference, where the financial implications of extending the ban on all footballing competition were also analysed.

It was also decided top-flight players should be asked to defer 30 per cent of their wages until things return to normal.

Insisting all of its 20 members remain committed to completing the schedule, a PL spokesperson said: “First and foremost, it was reaffirmed that the overriding priority is to aid the health and wellbeing of the nation and our communities, including players, coaches, managers, club staff and supporters.

“It was acknowledged that the Premier League will not resume at the beginning of May – and that the 2019/20 season will only return when it is safe and appropriate to do so.

“The restart date is under constant review with all stakeholders, as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic develops and we work together through this very challenging time.

“The Premier League is working closely with the whole of professional football in this country, as well as with the Government, public agencies and other relevant stakeholders to ensure the game achieves a collaborative solution.

“With this, there is a combined objective for all remaining domestic league and cup matches to be played, enabling us to maintain the integrity of each competition.

“However, any return to play will only be with the full support of government and when medical guidance allows.”

“The sporting and financial implications for Premier League clubs as well as for The FA, EFL and National League were considered,” the spokesperson added.

Seventh in the table and preparing for an FA Cup quarter-final against Arsenal, United were only five points outside the Champions League places when English football ground to a halt.

Manager Chris Wilder, known to be against the idea of abandoning the 2019/20 campaign, is likely to be encouraged by the decision to explore every possible way of fulfilling the calendar.

Confirming talks with the Professional Footballers’ Association, aimed at agreeing wage deferrals for the union’s members, are set to resume tomorrow, the PL spokesperson said: “In the face of substantial and continuing losses for the 2019/20 season since the suspension of matches began, and to protect employment throughout the professional game, Premier League clubs unanimously agreed to consult their players regarding a combination of conditional reductions and deferrals amounting to 30 per cent of total annual remuneration.

“This guidance will be kept under constant review as circumstances change.

"The Premier League would like to reiterate that the thoughts of all our clubs are with all those directly affected by COVID-19​."