Games in the Premier League and all other top-level UK football fixtures have been suspended until 3 April at the earliest because of the coronavirus pandemic.

It comes after English football chiefs met to discuss their response to the coronavirus outbreak, as Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta and Chelsea star Callum Hudson-Odoi were diagnosed with COVID-19.

Three Leicester City players are also being tested for COVID-19, while Everton announced on Thursday that one first-team player is self-isolating for seven days after reporting a high temperature.

Image: Mikel Arteta and Callum Hudson-Odoi have both tested positive for COVID-19

The Merseyside club said no other members of the squad were self-isolating, while its training ground has been closed to players and staff as a precaution.

Bournemouth have announced five of their employees, including goalkeeper Artur Boruc, are self-isolating having displayed symptoms consistent with the virus.


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Games in the English Football League, the three divisions below the Premier League, will also be suspended until the same date.

England's two friendlies later this month at Wembley, the Women's Super League and FA Women's Championship have also been postponed.

Image: A deserted Stadium of Light, home ground of League One Sunderland

The decision was revealed in a joint announcement from the Football Association, Premier League, EFL, Women's Super League and Women's Championship.

"This action, which will be kept under constant review, has been taken due to the increasing numbers of clubs taking steps to isolate their players and staff because of the COVID-19 virus," a statement said.

"It will also apply to all England team fixtures at every level and all FA competitions including the FA Cup and the Women's FA Cup, along with academy and youth team matches.

"The decision is being made purely on the number of cases requiring self-isolation and the impact on facilities. Given the steps being taken across clubs, there is no alternative but for today's action.

"However, all parties are committed at this time to trying to complete this season's domestic fixture programme and are liaising to establish appropriate options to do so."

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The Premier League has said its aim is to reschedule the postponed matches when it is safe to do so.

In Scotland, matches have been suspended until "further notice".

This means Sunday's Old Firm clash between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox has been postponed.

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Meanwhile, European football's governing body UEFA has announced that all Champions League and Europa League matches scheduled for next week have been postponed.

Other top-flight leagues in Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Portugal and Ireland suspended matches earlier this week as the outbreak spreads across Europe.

Spanish side Barcelona have suspended all first-team activity after taking advice from their medical staff.

English football had been told to carry on as normal by the government which said the risk of catching COVID-19 in a stadium was low.

The government's advice on mass gatherings in England and Wales has not changed, despite the UK moving to the "delay" phase of its coronavirus response on Thursday.

However, the spread of COVID-19 among competitors has forced the hand of the footballing authorities.

The COVID-19 pandemic has seen a number of sports tournaments and competitions put on hold around the world as well.

Other sporting events affected include: