The Premier League have announced the competition will not return at the beginning of May and will only do so when it is safe to play.

The players of the 20 clubs have also been asked by the League to take a 30 per cent pay cut during the coronavirus crisis.

At the government's daily coronavirus briefing yesterday, Health Secretary Matt Hancock called for Premier League players to 'take a pay cut and play their part'.

A statement from the Premier League said: "The Premier League will not resume at the beginning of May – and that the 2019/20 season will only return when it is safe and appropriate to do so.

"The restart date is under constant review with all stakeholders, as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic develops and we work together through this very challenging time.

"The Premier League is working closely with the whole of professional football in this country, as well as with the Government, public agencies and other relevant stakeholders to ensure the game achieves a collaborative solution.

"With this, there is a combined objective for all remaining domestic league and cup matches to be played, enabling us to maintain the integrity of each competition.

"However, any return to play will only be with the full support of Government and when medical guidance allows.

"The sporting and financial implications for Premier League clubs as well as for The FA, EFL and National League were considered at today’s meeting.

"In the face of substantial and continuing losses for the 2019/20 season since the suspension of matches began, and to protect employment throughout the professional game, Premier League clubs unanimously agreed to consult their players regarding a combination of conditional reductions and deferrals amounting to 30 per cent of total annual remuneration."

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin has previously warned that the football season could be lost if it does not resume by the end of June.