FA suspends football at all levels in England for the 'foreseeable future' due to coronavirus pandemic

The decision comes off the back of Prime Minister Boris Johnson's announcement on Monday afternoon that people across the UK should 'avoid social contact' as the country comes to terms with trying to control the coronavirus pandemic.

Before Johnson's announcement, the FA had left the decision up to each individual grassroots league whether they wanted to continue playing or not, and all the leagues in the county completed their programmes last weekend.

But the FA have now taken the decision to halt all football at all age-groups, and across all levels.

A statement on the thefa.com website read: "We have issued a further update regarding the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on football in England.

"Following the Government’s announcement today, for people to avoid social contact and gatherings where possible, we are now advising that all grassroots football in England is postponed for the foreseeable future.

"Throughout this period, we have taken Government advice with the priority being the health and well-being of all. We will continue to work closely with the grassroots game during this time.

"We are in regular communication with the Government and the situation within English football at all levels remains under regular review.

"Further updates will follow as needed."

The decision means that matches in all local leagues are now suspended until the FA decide otherwise.