THE Premier League has today unanimously voted to provide immediate funds of £125 million to the EFL and National League, in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

A statement from English football's elite league said today that it is aware of the severe difficulties clubs throughout the football pyramid are suffering at this time.

The statement read: "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.

"This guidance will be kept under constant review as circumstances change. The league will be in regular contact with the PFA and the union will join a meeting which will be held tomorrow between the league, players and club representatives."

On the subject of the season restarting, the statement said: "It was acknowledged that 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 advancement of funds was agreed at t a meeting of Premier League Shareholders today, where clubs discussed in detail how to respond to the COVID-19 global pandemic.

Meanwhile the EFL has today agreed to postpone all football competition 'until it is safe to resume'.

The Premier League and EFL had originally been suspended until April 30 at the earliest due to coronavirus but matches will now only return 'at an appropriate point'. 

An EFL statement read: 'As a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic the EFL, Premier League, FA and Barclays FA Women’s Super League and FA Women’s Championship has today collectively agreed to postpone its football competitions until it is safe to resume.

'Football is committed in supporting the Government’s efforts in tackling the COVID-19 outbreak and the staging of football matches in this country. It is clearly something that simply cannot happen at this time.

'The thoughts of everyone associated with the EFL and its member Clubs are with anyone currently affected by the Coronavirus.

'The situation will be kept under constant review with matches only returning at an appropriate point and based on the latest guidance provided by the relevant Government departments and health authorities.

'The EFL also notes and appreciates the decision taken today by the Premier League in respect of the short term financial relief it is to provide EFL Clubs through the advancement of solidarity payments, parachute payments and Academy Grants.

'These actions will have a positive impact on individual Clubs across our three divisions at a difficult and uncertain time.'