Accrington Stanley owner Andy Holt has threatened to withdraw the League One side from future matches amid the growing coronavirus threat in the UK.
Confirmed coronavirus cases have risen to 596 nationwide but that number is expected to increase.
Coronavirus has affected the sporting world hugely
It is now affecting a number of major sporting events across the world including Serie A, LaLiga, the Champions League and Europa League.
Manchester City’s Champions League round-of-16 second leg against Real Madrid has been postponed. The Los Blancos players have been instructed to self-isolate for 15 days after it emerged a player from their basketball team tested positive for COVID-19.
Meanwhile, Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers said three of his first-team players have showed coronavirus symptoms and have been kept away from the rest of the squad.
Prime minister Boris Johnson announced that major sporting events will be banned although this measure will not be effective immediately.
The EFL announced on Thursday that matches in the Championship, League One and League Two this weekend will go ahead as planned.
GETTY IMAGES – GETTY
The EFL has not followed suit with many other leagues across Europe
A statement read: “In light of today’s announcement by the UK government, EFL matches will continue to take place as normal while the guidance from the relevant authorities remains that there is no medical rationale to close or cancel sporting events at this time.
“The EFL, however, will continue to work with government and relevant stakeholders to further develop contingency plans to ensure the League is best placed to act as and when any potential restrictions may come into force.
“Immediately following the announcement by the Prime Minister, EFL Chair Rick Parry held discussions with the FA and Premier League and agreed on a consistent approach ahead of this weekend’s round of fixtures. Matters will be further discussed at a meeting called by European football’s governing body, UEFA, on Tuesday 17 March.
“The league will continue to liaise with the government regarding ongoing developments and will continue to work with clubs to ensure players, staff and supporters are updated and appraised accordingly.
“These matters are, of course, subject to change and we will update as appropriate.”
Before that announcement was made, Stanley owner Holt called out the EFL, Premier League, Football Association and even the prime minister.
Holt tweeted: Well listen here @EFL, @premierleague, @FA, @BorisJohnson.
“I will not give up on pensioners NO matter what you do or say. I will run @ASFCofficial however I feel fit, to that end. Even if that means not playing games. Please yourself what you do.
“I’m only sad you won’t even try to help. But f*** you. Watch this space. Andy Holt. 12th March 2020.”
Twitter @AndyhHolt
Holt is not happy with the government or football in the UK’s approach to tackling coronavirus
Will Holt follow through with his principled stand?
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