Cambridge United facing financial implications as coronavirus forces EFL to suspend all football

Cambridge United admit they are facing 'significant financial implications' after their next four games were postponed by the EFL because of Coronavirus.

The English Football League decided to suspend all fixtures until April 3 because of growing concerns over the Coronavirus outbreak.

Cambridge City's home game with Witham and Histon's trip to Felistowe and Walton also off tomorrow as is Histon's Tuesday game against Romford. The Isthmian League will review their decision next week.

Now United, in light of today's EFL announcement in relation to the disease, has provided fans with an update and to develop the best course of action.

But the club admits the suspension will leave them requiring the goodwill and support from fans in the coming period.

United's statement read: "The EFL have today informed clubs that all Premier League and EFL fixtures across the country will be postponed until at least April 3. The postponements include all of Cambridge United’s League Two fixtures, as well as all Academy and youth team fixtures. In addition, clubs are being advised to suspend indefinitely all non-essential activities which include, but are not limited to, player appearances, training ground visits and fan meetings.

"Given today's guidance, we are hoping for fixtures to be rescheduled and for the season to be completed. However this is an ever-changing picture. With that in mind, we will communicate the details around re-arrangements on ticketing for supporters once we have confirmation and a clearer indication of when postponed fixtures will be taking place.

"Discussions also continue to take place internally to establish the best course of action across all areas of the club, including hospitality, commercial sponsorship, Youth Development programmes/tours and Community Trust activities, which will be communicated in due course.

"Cambridge United have been receiving updates over the past two weeks from the EFL as to what measures were likely to be undertaken nationally to tackle the spread of Covid-19. This has allowed us to consider the impact across all departments.

"Like many of our fellow EFL Clubs, we expect this will have significant financial implications for Cambridge United. It is likely we will require a good deal of support and goodwill from our supporters in the coming period.

"We thank our supporters and sponsors in advance for their patience and understanding as the football club moves to deal with what is complex and fast-moving situation."

The move to postpone all games until April was announced in a statement by the EFL early this morning (March 13).

The EFL said; "At a meeting for the EFL board this morning (Friday, March 13), it was decided to suspend all football until April 3.

A statement from EFL read: “The FA, Premier League, EFL and Barclays FA Women’s Super League and FA Women’s Championship have collectively agreed to postpone the professional game in England until 3 April at the earliest.

“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.

“The postponements include all matches in the Championship, League One and League Two, as well as all Academy and youth team fixtures. In addition, clubs are being advised to suspend indefinitely all non-essential activities which include, but are not limited to, player appearances, training ground visits and fan meetings.

“While the EFL Board has continued to take the advice and guidance offered by the Government and its health advisors, emerging developments mean now is the time to implement football’s contingency plans in response to the crisis.

“A further update on these plans will be given post an EFL Board Meeting next week.

“This decision has not been taken lightly, but the EFL must prioritise the health and well-being of players, staff and supporters while also acknowledging the Government’s national efforts in tackling this outbreak.

United’s home game against Cheltenham tomorrow is off as is their away game at Grimsby on March 17. A home clash with rivals Northampton is also a victim of the suspension as is the away game at Crawley on March 28.