LONDON (AP) — The Premier League has postponed its next round of matches as a mark of respect following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, adding to the cancellation of high-profile golf, cricket and horse racing events in across Britain on Friday.
England’s top football clubs held a meeting on Friday and said they wanted to “pay tribute to Her Majesty’s long and unwavering service to our country”.
“It is an extremely sad time not only for the nation but also for the millions of people around the world who looked up to him,” said Premier League chief executive Richard Masters, “and we all join in those who mourn his passing.”
The English Football League – the three divisions below the Premier League – has also canceled its games scheduled for the weekend.
The UK government has said it is at the discretion of individual sporting organizations whether matches go ahead after the Queen died on Thursday at the age of 96.
British sport essentially shut down on Friday but could be up and running by Saturday.
The BMW PGA Championship, the showpiece event of the European tour, was halted towards the end of the first round on Thursday after news of the Queen’s death – there were still 30 players remaining on the course – and there will be no game Friday.
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