The Premier League has announced that top-flight clubs will take a "moment of silent reflection" in their next round of matches as a mark of respect for Emiliano Sala after the search for the plane carrying the Cardiff City striker was called off on Thursday.

The Piper PA-46 Malibu plane the footballer and pilot David Ibbotson were in has been missing since it disappeared from radar over the English Channel on Monday night.

Guernsey's harbour master Captain David Barker on Thursday said the chances Sala and his Ibbotson had survived were "extremely remote".

He said he was "absolutely confident" those searching "could not have done any more" but conceded Sala's family was "not content" with the decision to cease operations.

After scanning thousands of square miles and reviewing all "information available" the "difficult decision to end the search" was taken, Captain Barker said.

In Pictures | Candles in Nantes for Emiliano Sala 15 show all In Pictures | Candles in Nantes for Emiliano Sala 1/15 AFP/Getty Images 2/15 AFP/Getty Images 3/15 AFP/Getty Images 4/15 AFP/Getty Images 5/15 AFP/Getty Images 6/15 AFP/Getty Images 7/15 AFP/Getty Images 8/15 AFP/Getty Images 9/15 AFP/Getty Images 10/15 AFP/Getty Images 11/15 AFP/Getty Images 12/15 AFP/Getty Images 13/15 AFP/Getty Images 14/15 AFP/Getty Images 15/15 AFP/Getty Images 1/15 AFP/Getty Images 2/15 AFP/Getty Images 3/15 AFP/Getty Images 4/15 AFP/Getty Images 5/15 AFP/Getty Images 6/15 AFP/Getty Images 7/15 AFP/Getty Images 8/15 AFP/Getty Images 9/15 AFP/Getty Images 10/15 AFP/Getty Images 11/15 AFP/Getty Images 12/15 AFP/Getty Images 13/15 AFP/Getty Images 14/15 AFP/Getty Images 15/15 AFP/Getty Images

There has been more than 24 hours of continuous searching, with 80 hours combined flying time across three planes and five helicopters.

Two lifeboats were also involved and help was provided by passing ships and fishing boats.

​He added: "I'm well aware that this will be very unwelcome news for the family and friends of the two occupants of the missing aircraft.

"I understand that Emiliano Sala's family are not content with the decision to stop the search and I fully understand that."

Following the announcement that the active search had been called off, the Premier League released a statement which read: "The Premier League is deeply saddened to learn that the active search for Emiliano Sala and pilot David Ibbotson has ended.

"Our thoughts are with the two men and their loved ones.

"We will continue to support our friends at Cardiff City Football Club at this incredibly sad time.

"As a mark of respect there will be a moment of silent reflection for Emiliano and David at all Premier League matches next week."

After the search was formally called off, Sala's sister, Romina, begged rescue workers to keep looking for his missing plane.

Speaking in Spanish, Romina told reporters in Cardiff that she feels her brother and his pilot are still alive.

Meanwhile, Cardiff said in a statement on Thursday evening: "At this time of immeasurable sadness, our thoughts are with the family and friends of both men on board, the fans of both FC Nantes, Cardiff City, and their connections around the world."

Tributes for Emiliano Sala at Cardiff City FC - In pictures 10 show all Tributes for Emiliano Sala at Cardiff City FC - In pictures 1/10 A man leaves flowers outside Cardiff City Football Club after a plane with new signing Emiliano Sala on board went missing over the English Channel PA 2/10 PA 3/10 PA 4/10 PA 5/10 PA 6/10 PA 7/10 PA 8/10 PA 9/10 PA 10/10 PA 1/10 A man leaves flowers outside Cardiff City Football Club after a plane with new signing Emiliano Sala on board went missing over the English Channel PA 2/10 PA 3/10 PA 4/10 PA 5/10 PA 6/10 PA 7/10 PA 8/10 PA 9/10 PA 10/10 PA

The club's owner Vincent Tan added: "Monday evening's news shook everyone at Cardiff City FC to the core.

"We were looking forward to providing Emiliano with the next step in his life and career. Those who met Emiliano described a good-natured and humble young man who was eager to impress in the Premier League.

"The response from the football community has been truly touching and we place on record our sincere thanks to those who have sent messages of support. We also thank everyone involved with the search and rescue operation, and continue to pray for Emiliano, David Ibbotson and their families."

Additional reporting by the Press Association.