The Midland Football League says that all of its matches will go ahead this weekend.
In a statement the league said:
“Further to the communication of yesterday regarding the Coronavirus
crisis, and following the Premier League and EFL deciding to pause the
season until April 9th the MFL have taken advice from the FA who
informed us today that it is each League’s decision as to what
approach it wishes to take, so each league at Steps 5 & 6 will do what
it believes best for its member clubs.
“Accordingly, and in common with the National League and Northern
Premier League, the MFL’s board has decided that all matches will go
ahead this weekend, with future fixtures being reviewed on Monday 16th
March.
“Our primary concern, as always, is to protect the financial stability
of our clubs. This means playing as many games as we can, so long as
clubs wish to do so.“
Heath Hayes, Brocton, Stapenhill, Uttoxeter Town and Bolehall Swifts all have games scheduled for tomorrow.
The statement continues:
“This is not contrary to the League’s and clubs’
duty of care considerations to players, officials or supporters but,
in a season where clubs have been severely impacted by weather-related
postponements, the MFL board believes that pausing the season right
now would prove disastrous for many clubs.
“The situation is changing daily, so our approach to Covid-19 must be flexible, recognising the very genuine concerns around the health of players, officials and
supporters.
“The League has consistently urged clubs to follow government advice,
which is that football matches should go ahead as planned for now.
Having carefully weighed up all options, and mindful that we are
between a rock and a hard place on this issue, all MFL matches will
therefore go ahead as planned this weekend unless a club is directly
affected by players, referees or volunteers who are self-isolating or
have serious concerns.
“Please refer to the FA’s guidance notes, issued earlier this week. If
an infection occurs, or is suspected within a team group, government
advice should be followed and the individuals with whom the victim is
in direct contact should be advised to self-isolate.
In these cases, details should be provided to the League soonest and affected games
will be postponed. No club may simply call a game off; that is a
decision for the League alone, however all requests will be dealt with
sympathetically.
“We have requested urgent advice from the FA with regard to the impact
of any short or medium term implications for payments to any contract
players. As soon as we receive this guidance, it will be issued to all
clubs.
“In closing, the League acknowledges this is not a decision that will
meet with universal approval. Although our current stance may have to
be reviewed as events escalate, it will be business as usual for as
long as possible.“
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