This archive report was first published on 13 March 2020.
On March 13, 2020, the English football season was suspended until at least April 3 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has already claimed 798 confirmed cases and ten deaths in the United Kingdom.
Among those affected are Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi, who have both tested positive for the virus.
Financial ramifications of the suspension will be felt across the board, with the potential for the Premier League to lose millions in television rights penalties if the season cannot be completed.
Lower league clubs, which rely heavily on gate receipts and commercial activities, may be hit particularly hard, with some potentially running out of money.
As the situation unfolds, various stakeholders have shared their thoughts on the suspension. Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp emphasized the importance of prioritizing public health, stating, "Today, football and football matches really aren't important at all. If it's a choice between football and the good of the wider society, it's no contest."
Manchester United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward acknowledged the need to slow the spread of the virus, saying, "While it is disappointing to see the season paused, we recognise there are bigger considerations as part of the need to help slow the spread of coronavirus."
Watford manager Nigel Pearson expressed disappointment with the British government's decision not to ban gatherings of large groups of people, including football matches, stating, "I don't think we had any great leadership last night, listening to the prime minister. I was totally underwhelmed by the lack of leadership and clear message."
Stoke City chairman Peter Coates warned that some clubs' finances could run dry, saying, "This will have serious financial implications, with some clubs possibly running out of money."
Luton Town chief executive Gary Sweet called for the Premier League to help out lower league clubs, stating, "It will hit us hard financially but a longer suspension is almost impossible. There is only one way distribution can happen and that's from top to bottom."
Shrewsbury Town chief executive Brian Caldwell emphasized the potential financial fall-out, saying, "We've got five home games left, you are probably looking at £200,000-£250,000 ($250,000-313,000) would be lost by not having the income from not just tickets but bars, hospitality, programming income and everything else that we at this level all rely on."
Peterborough United owner Darragh MacAnthony urged the football community to come together and help out financially, stating, "There is going to be financial shortfalls for many clubs, cashflow issues. I would guesstimate the average League One and Two club is probably going to need a loan of £300,000 to £400,000 each."
