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    A Premier League meeting on Friday resulted in the indefinite suspension of the English top flight.

    A statement read that the league would not resume at the start of May as previously planned, while a proposal of 30 per cent pay cuts for Premier League players was made.

    The Premier League also said it would financially support lower leagues in the country, while immediately sending a £20 million donation to the NHS. Follow the latest updates below.

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    Sharing the full story, not just the headlines

    2020-04-03T15:29:08.180Z

    Here is our own Tony Evans on the Premier League's decisions this afternoon:
     
    2020-04-03T15:26:27.900Z

    It will be interesting to see how quickly an agreement is reached on the 30 wage cent pay cut, assuming one is made at all, considering the differences in pay between players at various clubs.

    2020-04-03T15:17:24.046Z

    Support for the EFL and National League comes in the form of £125 million in advance funds.

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    2020-04-03T15:16:01.813Z

    It is also worth nothing that the 30 per cent pay cut for Premier League players has not been confirmed; clubs and the league agreed it would be discussed with players.

    2020-04-03T15:08:35.313Z

    Premier League clubs entered today's meeting wanting something concrete - a genuinely viable return date for the season, in an ideal world.

    While what they got was not very concrete, it was arguably more firm than a situation where the return date would be continually pushed back, two weeks at a time.

    2020-04-03T15:01:19.780Z

    Again, the Premier League will not resume at the start of May as originally planned, essentially meaning an indefinite suspension of the English top flight.

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    2020-04-03T14:52:35.250Z

    The full statement can be read here.
    2020-04-03T14:47:57.613Z

    Those are the key parts of the Premier League's statement.

    In summary, the season has effectively been suspended indefinitely.

    Meanwhile, a proposal of 30 per cent wage cuts for players has been made.

    Support for the lower leagues has been determined, and a £20 million donation to the NHS as well.

    2020-04-03T14:37:20.230Z

    The Premier League's statement also referenced the NHS:
     

    "The League remains committed to supporting the National Health Service, its staff and helping people in communities, not least those who are most vulnerable.

    "The League, clubs, players and managers express huge appreciation for the heroic efforts of NHS staff and all other key workers who are carrying out critical jobs in such difficult circumstances.

    "In consultation with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, the Premier League is immediately committing £20 million to support the NHS, communities, families and vulnerable groups during the Covid-19 pandemic.

    "This includes a direct financial contribution to the NHS and funds to enable clubs to refocus their efforts and develop significant outreach programmes to help communities, including those most in need.

    "This funding will enable both immediate and longer-term support during the crisis.

    "This includes a direct financial contribution to the NHS and funds to enable clubs to refocus their efforts and develop significant outreach programmes to help communities, including those most in need. 

    "This funding will enable both immediate and longer-term support during the crisis."

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    2020-04-03T14:34:54.903Z

    Here are some notes on supporting the lower leagues:

    "Discussions also took place regarding financial relief for clubs in the short term and while there is no single solution, measures are to be put in place to immediately deal with the impact of falling cash flow. 

    "Critically, the League unanimously voted to advance funds of £125 million to the EFL and National League as it is aware of the severe difficulties clubs throughout the football pyramid are suffering at this time."

    2020-04-03T14:32:58.230Z

    Here is the second part of the Premier League's statement, on player wages:

    "In the face of substantial and continuing losses for the 2019/20 season since the suspension of matches began, and to protect employment throughout the professional game, Premier League clubs unanimously agreed to consult their players regarding a combination of conditional reductions and deferrals amounting to 30 per cent of total annual remuneration.

    "This guidance will be kept under constant review as circumstances change.

    "The League will be in regular contact with the PFA, and the union will join a meeting which will be held tomorrow between the League, players and club representatives."

    2020-04-03T14:31:57.703Z

    Following a shareholder meeting, here is the first part of the Premier League's statement, on the resumption of the season:

    "It was acknowledged that the Premier League will not resume at the beginning of May – and that the 2019/20 season will only return when it is safe and appropriate to do so.

    "The restart date is under constant review with all stakeholders, as the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic develops and we work together through this very challenging time.

    "The Premier League is working closely with the whole of professional football in this country, as well as with the Government, public agencies and other relevant stakeholders to ensure the game achieves a collaborative solution. 

    "With this, there is a combined objective for all remaining domestic league and cup matches to be played, enabling us to maintain the integrity of each competition.

    "However, any return to play will only be with the full support of Government and when medical guidance allows.

    "The sporting and financial implications for Premier League clubs as well as for The FA, EFL and National League were considered at today’s meeting."

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    2020-04-03T14:29:24.756Z

    A statement from the Premier League is in.

    2020-04-03T14:19:07.216Z

    Here is the full story on Dortmund's stadium being used as a treatment centre for coronavirus patients:
     
    2020-04-03T14:08:30.253Z

    Some more positive news while we anticipate an announcement from the PFA on Premier League player wages and the remainder of the season's fixtures:

    Borussia Dortmund have opened a treatment centre for coronavirus at their stadium.

    This follows their players' decision to voluntarily waive wages to protect non-playing staff at the club.

    Alongside the other Champions League sides from Germany, Dortmund are also donating their TV money for the remainder of the campaign to other Bundesliga 1 and 2 teams.

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    2020-04-03T13:55:57.510Z

    The Times has reported that Jordan Henderson is organising a coronavirus crisis fund for the NHS that will see millions of pounds donated.

    The Liverpool captain has reportedly contacted the captains of other Premier League teams throughout this week to inform them of the idea.

    The plan is said to have been established before Health Secretary Matt Hancock called upon top-flight footballers to “play their part” during yesterday's government crisis briefing.

    2020-04-03T13:46:06.633Z

    Here is more on Neymar's donation:
     
    2020-04-03T13:40:08.413Z

    Neymar secretly donated £770,000 to Unicef and a fund set up by Brazilian celebrities, it has emerged.

    The Paris Saint-Germain forward’s private contribution was revealed by Brazilian TV show Fofocalizando.

    The money will go towards the treatment of Covid-19 patients and support for those who need it as lockdowns sweep the globe.

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    2020-04-03T13:30:09.273Z

    You can read Melissa's full piece here:
    2020-04-03T13:24:35.270Z

    Here's our own Melissa Reddy on player wages:

    Julian Knight, the Conservative MP, underscored the “moral vacuum” footballers operate in.

    This is the man who has consistently been in opposition to paying higher benefits to those unable to work due to disability or illness and was in favour for reduction in spending on welfare benefits. Oh, he’s also the fella that voted against higher taxes against banks and has authored guides on how to avoid tax.

    David Lammy, MP for Tottenham, went in two-footed too, calling it “criminal that Premier League footballers haven’t moved more quickly to take pay cuts and deferrals.”

    One can only imagine the strength of the terminology they’d need to use when examining politics. In the meantime, it’s unsurprisingly all aboard the footballer-bashing bandwagon.

    Please allow a moment for the blog to load.

    On Thursday, Belgium’s top league cancelled the remainder of their season, with Club Brugge awarded the title.

    Brugge had a 15-point lead ahead of the season-ending play-offs. Decisions are yet to be made about relegation places and European spots.

    Now, the Dutch top-flight is also facing pressure from teams, who want the campaign to be scrapped.

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