UK News

National League set to hold meeting amid growing virus concerns – Hartlepool United, Chesterfield, Notts County and more all set to play as it stands

By Euro Weekly News Media • Published: 13 Mar 2020 • 13:57

The Vanarama National League are set to meet to discuss a possible suspension of the their football season.

The league, which starts one step below the English Football League Two and covers multiple professional and semi-professional tiers, have fixtures set to take place this weekend.

Hartlepool United are travelling the length of the country to face Sutton United on Saturday and Notts County travelling to Eastleigh in Hampshire, both of which are due to kick-off at the usual time of 3pm.

The National League have made no official statement on the developing situation other than the banning of pre-match handshakes due to Government guidance.

The FA statement read: “The latest advice from Government is that there is presently no rationale to close or cancel sporting events, but this may change as the situation evolves.”

“There is a higher likelihood of severe illness the older you are (not an increased chance of contracting the virus), with those under 25 likely to be unaffected by the disease. However, there is no age-specific guidance at this moment in time.”

“Sports are asked to keep up to date with and follow Government and Public Health England guidance.”

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and Chelsea midfielder Callum Hudson-Odoi have tested positive for COVID-19 this week which has prompted emergency meetings for both the Premier League and EFL in regard to suspending fixtures.

While the National League’s stance as of Friday morning will see fixtures to continue as normal, the suspension of the Premier League and EFL has put them under pressure to follow suit.