THREE Sheffield Wednesday matches called off as EFL make major coronavirus call and suspend Championship

Sheffield Wednesday’s matches against Nottingham Forest, Bristol City and West Brom have been postponed after the EFL made the decision to suspend the Championship amid the coronavirus crisis.
By Alex Miller
Published 13th Mar 2020, 11:10 BST
Updated 13th Mar 2020, 11:11 BST
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A meeting taken with member clubs and major stakeholders this morning saw the EFL come to the decision, which sees all Football League action suspended until April 3. It means the Owls’ next fixture would come at Swansea City a day later.

It’s understood that the EFL are already preparing for the possibility of the suspension being extended.

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Several players and staff at clubs across the English league system have confirmed they are experiencing symptoms of the illness, with high-profile figures such as Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta and England international Callum Hudson-Odoi having contracted the virus. Both squads have self-isolated.

Hillsborough stadium will remain unused until at least April 10 after the EFL took the decision to close the Championship.Hillsborough stadium will remain unused until at least April 10 after the EFL took the decision to close the Championship.
Hillsborough stadium will remain unused until at least April 10 after the EFL took the decision to close the Championship.

Covid-19, the official name given to the coronavirus, has claimed the lives of 10 UK residents and nearly 5,000 people worldwide.

Wednesday’s under-23 side were due to play at Birmingham this afternoon but did not travel. Their matches also fall under the terms of the suspension.

Several high-profile sporting events around the world have been cancelled or played behind closed doors, with many more set to follow.

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The EFL statement clarifies: "For the avoidance of any doubt this includes all matches in the Championship, League One and League Two, as well as all Academy and youth team fixtures and will take us beyond the next international round."

It’s a decision at-odds with Government advice delivered yesterday evening that saw Prime Minister Boris Johnson claim there was no immediate requirement to cancel mass-gathering events.

When matches are due to be rescheduled is as of yet unknown – they were due to play Forest at Hillsborough on Saturday, Bristol City at Ashton Gate on Tuesday 17 and promotion-chasing West Brom at home on March 21. The next home game will be against Preston on April 10.

The decision follows that of UEFA to suspend the next round of European competition as well as the Europa League and Champions League draws on March 20. Premier League matches have been suspended until April 3 also.

Related topics:EFLBristol CityNottingham ForestWest BromMikel ArtetaSwansea CityCallum Hudson-OdoiBoris Johnson