After the passing of the Queen, the Premier League and English Football League (EFL) have confirmed that this weekend’s football games will not go on as scheduled.
The Premier League opted to cancel games from Saturday through Monday evening in a meeting on Friday morning “to honour her amazing life and commitment to the nation, and as a token of respect.”
“We and our clubs would like to pay respect to Her Majesty’s long and unwavering service to our country,” Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters said.
She has been an inspiration and, after leading a dedicated life, leaves behind a remarkable legacy as our longest-serving monarch.
“This is an incredibly sad time for the country, but also for the millions of people who admired her around the world, and we join them in grieving her passing.”
The government had already publicly informed the sporting organisations that this weekend’s competition could go but had given them the final say.
No balls were bowled on the first day of the third Test between England and South Africa, thus it was postponed until Friday (Thursday). The Wentworth PGA Championship in golf was also postponed for Friday.
The BMW PGA Championship, flagship event on the European tour, was paused near the end of the first round on Thursday following the announcement of the Queen’s death.
According to the government’s official guidelines, sports events can change their times on the day of her funeral but are not required to be postponed throughout the period of declared national mourning.
Highlights from the weekend’s Premier League games featured Liverpool vs. Wolves, Manchester City vs. Spurs, and Fulham vs. Chelsea.
