THE Premier League and the English Football League have announced the postponement of their fixtures this weekend following the death of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday, September 8, 2022.
According to media reports, the footballing bodies held an emergency meeting with the government in the early hours of Friday, September 9, 2022, to decide whether to postpone the weekend’s fixtures. They, thereafter, opted to cancel all games as a show of respect to the monarch after her 70-year reign, as the UK enters a period of national mourning.
A statement from the Premier League confirmed: "At a meeting, Premier League clubs paid tribute to Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. To honour her extraordinary life and contribution to the nation, and as a mark of respect, this weekend's Premier League match round will be postponed, including Monday evening's game."
In a similar reaction, a statement from the EFL postponing their games also read, "Further to discussions on Friday morning, it has been determined that all EFL fixtures from 9-10 September will be postponed as a mark of respect by the National Sport to the passing of HRH Queen Elizabeth II.
“This is aligned with the approach that the Premier League and the FA will take with their competitions this weekend. Further information in respect of how football clubs and their supporters will commemorate Her Majesty’s reign will be confirmed at an appropriate point. Details regarding rearranged games will be announced in due course."
The Queen died at the age of 96, ending the longest reign in British history. She was also the world's oldest head of state.
