Grassroots football will not take place this weekend after today's decision to pause all scheduled matches in response to the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
Official guidance from the Department from Digital, Culture, Media and Sport released earlier this morning recommended sporting bodies to consider cancelling events on the day of the Queen's state funeral but added there was no obligation for other days to be affected.
A Premier League meeting took place at 11am this morning to debate the most appropriate form of action, with postponing games being chosen as the way to proceed. All levels of the game are now affected, stretching all the way down to the bottom of the football pyramid.
READ MORE: Premier League confirm fixture postponements after Queen Elizabeth II death
Addressing the verdict reached regarding fixtures, An FA statement read: "Her Majesty the Queen was a long-standing Patron of The Football Association and has left a lasting and indelible legacy on our national game.
"As a mark of respect, following the passing of Her Majesty the Queen, English football has united to postpone all football fixtures between 9-11 September. The FA can confirm that all football fixtures across the Barclays Women’s Super League, Barclays Women’s Championship, the Vitality Women’s FA Cup, and the Isuzu FA Trophy, will be postponed this weekend.
"We can also confirm that all football fixtures across the National League System [NLS], Steps 1-6, including the Vanarama National Leagues, the Women’s Football Pyramid [WFP], Tiers 3-7, and matches across grassroots football in England will be postponed. The Premier League and the EFL have all confirmed that their fixtures this weekend will be rescheduled for a later date."
Some have questioned why grassroots football, which is not played at a professional level, has been subjected to the same rules as clubs competing further up the pyramid. Home Bargains FC, an amateur side from Liverpool, issued the following response to this development: "Outrageous decision by the Football Association to call off grass roots football this weekend + threaten teams with fines. We’re told how much both organisations care about mental health but Sat/Sun football is so important to mental health + is so many players' only release."
*Comments have been turned off for this article but you can leave your tribute to Queen Elizabeth II in this online memorial.
READ NEXT:
Liverpool prepare for Ajax but face prospect of one month between Premier League games
- Liverpool were charged with illegal approach for defender who didn't think Anfield move was worth the hassle
Cazoo take major decision after Everton sponsorship was ended
When Liverpool vs Wolves could now be played after Premier League postponement
Romelu Lukaku proven right as Amadou Onana reveals message from Everton 'big bro'
