All Premier League matches scheduled for this weekend have been postponed out of respect for Queen Elizabeth II, it was announced on Friday.
The English Premier League made the choice despite government guidance that canceling athletic events during a period of national grief was not mandatory.
Premier League teams honored Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at a meeting this morning, the league stated in a statement.
As a gesture of respect and to commemorate her exceptional life and contributions to the nation, this weekend’s Premier League matches, including Monday’s game, will be postponed.
Also postponed are all matches in the English Football League and Women’s Super League.
As a mark of respect, several athletic events scheduled for Friday in Britain, including Test cricket and the European PGA Championship, have been canceled.
These sports may resume during the weekend.
However, sporting authorities have been urged to avoid scheduling conflicts with an unannounced state burial.
“There is no requirement to cancel, postpone, or close entertainment venues during the national period of mourning,” the ministry said in a guidance statement.
As a sign of respect, organizations may decide to consider canceling or postponing events or closing locations on the day of the state funeral.
The Premier League match round this weekend will be postponed out of respect for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
— Premier League (@premierleague) September 9, 2022
Thursday’s Europa League matches between Manchester United and Real Sociedad at Old Trafford and West Ham and FCSB in the Europa Conference League at the London Stadium included pre-match tributes.
The British Horseracing Authority has announced that there will be no races on Saturday, extending the cancellations by a third day.
King’s Lynn, the sole horse owned by the queen entered in this weekend’s races, will not compete at the Curragh on Sunday.
On Sunday, racing will resume with the St Leger, one of Britain’s five Classic races, which the queen won with her filly Dunfermline in 1977.