The proposed 30 April return date for English professional football is set to be moved back due to the worsening nature of the coronavirus outbreak.
Fixtures were initially postponed until 3 April due to the spread of COVID-19, with several high profile figures such as Mikel Arteta and Callum Hudson-Odoi testing positive for the virus.
Late week, that date was pushed back until the end of next month and now, according to the Daily Mail, fans will now have to wait even longer for football to return.
EFL clubs have been informed that the deteriorating situation has made any likelihood of games being played in April 'impossible'.
There is an acceptance that with the UK's partial lockdown preventing players from training, it would be unrealistic to resume the season next month.
Clubs have been providing their stars with tailored fitness programmes to complete while in isolation and have even sent them the technology to track their progress. Despite this, it is acknowledged that several weeks of team sessions are required before football can restart.
It has already been confirmed that the season will be extended indefinitely and with EURO 2020 and Copa America postponed, the campaign could be played deep into the summer months if required.
The news of the professional game's return being further delayed comes soon after all football below National League level was halted and previous results expunged.
This means that all divisions from the seventh tier downwards in the English football pyramid will remain the same next season with no relegations or promotions.
The women's game below WSL and Championship level has also suffered the same fate.
Source : 90min