The Premier League and the English Football League have reiterated that football cannot resume in the country until April 30th at the earliest and until it is safe to do so. 

As things stand, the Premier League and all three EFL divisions are on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic.

However, the FA yesterday annulled the seasons of the third to the seventh rungs of the National League system (7-10 in the English football pyramid).

Several EFL clubs have taken the step of implementing wage deferrals on their players and staff. Birmingham City were one of the first clubs to do so, while the Leeds United squad voluntarily opted to have salaries deferred.

The PFA were present at today's joint meeting involving the Premier League and EFL.

The players' association had sought urgent talks with league officials after they claimed several of their members had been approached by their clubs about possible wage deferrals.

PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor's indicated prior to the meeting that they were looking at a further emergency fund to help those in the lower leagues affected by football's shutdown.

In a joint statement released on Friday evening, the Premier League, EFL and PFA "agreed that difficult decisions will have to be taken in order to mitigate the economic impact of the current suspension of professional football in England and agreed to work together to arrive at shared solutions."

While no firm details were provided, they continued, "Further meetings will take place next week with a view to formulating a joint plan to deal with the difficult circumstances facing the leagues, their clubs, players, staff and fans."

The cancelling of the lower reaches of the National League pyramid was also discussed today, with the FA saying afterwards, "It will now go to The FA Council for ratification.

"We fully support the decision they came to during these challenging and unprecedented circumstances for English football."