Premier League 'could also postpone next weekend's fixtures'

The Premier League could also allegedly postpone next weekend's matches following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday.

Official advice from the UK government had signalled that this weekend's sporting events could go ahead as planned, but talks between the Premier League, EFL and FA ended with a decision being made to postpone the fixture list for the next set of matches.

As a result, there will be no games on Saturday, Sunday or Monday, with the Premier League revealing that a further update would be issued "in due course".

"At a meeting this morning, Premier League clubs paid tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II," read a statement from the Premier League on Friday morning.

"To honour her extraordinary life and contribution to the nation, and as a mark of respect, this weekend's Premier League match round will be postponed, including Monday evening's game.

"Further updates regarding Premier League fixtures during the period of mourning will be provided in due course."

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters added: "We and our clubs would like to pay tribute to Her Majesty's long and unwavering service to our country.

"As our longest-serving monarch, she has been an inspiration and leaves behind an incredible legacy following a life of dedication.

"This is a tremendously sad time for not just the nation but also for the millions of people around the world who admired her, and we join together with all those in mourning her passing."

According to Premier League journalist Richard Buxton, next weekend's fixture list could also be postponed "in line with the Queen's state funeral".

Buxton, on his official Twitter account, added that the next available date to play postponed fixtures would be January 17 and January 18 of next year, as the season will break in November for the 2022 World Cup.

UEFA matches are set to continue as usual, with Manchester United, Arsenal and West Ham United all in action on Thursday evening.

Fulham were due to open this weekend's Premier League action with a home game against Chelsea, while there was also set to be a Monday night fixture, with Leeds United welcoming Nottingham Forest.

There will be an international break later this month, meaning that teams would not be in action until the start of October, should the decision be made to also postpone the games next weekend.