The English Premier League announced on Friday it has postponed Matchday 7 matches to commemorate the death of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday at the age of 96.
“In honor of her exceptional life and contribution to the nation, and out of respect, Premier League matches this weekend, including Monday night’s match, will be postponed,” the league said in a statement.
The league made the decision despite instructions from the British government that the cancellation of sporting events is not mandatory during a period of national mourning.
“During their morning meeting, the Premier League clubs expressed their condolences to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II,” the statement said.
On Thursday, Buckingham Palace announced the death of Queen Elizabeth II, who has held the throne for the longest time in the history of the United Kingdom, more than seventy years.
“We and our clubs would like to pay tribute to Her Majesty’s long and enduring service to our country,” said the association’s CEO, Richard Masters. “As the longest-serving Queen, she has been an inspiration and left behind an incredible legacy after a life of dedication.”
“These are very sad times, not only for the nation, but for the millions of people around the world who admired her, and we, along with all those who mourned her passing.”
The association added that it would announce the fate of matches during the period of mourning in due course, knowing that an official funeral date had not yet been set.
However, I would like to avoid holding events on this day.
“It is not necessary to cancel or postpone sporting events and matches or close entertainment venues during a period of national mourning. In a show of respect, agencies may consider canceling or rescheduling events or closing venues on the day of the state funeral,” the government said in a statement.
These postponements could come as a blow to clubs in the league who are already suffering from a busy schedule to play many matches ahead of the start of the World Cup in Qatar on 20 November, as both the Champions League and Europa League group stages are.” The Europa League is scheduled to be completed between the first and third of the month.
All football matches of other leagues and the women’s league have also been rescheduled.
