Sporting bodies to decide on weekend schedule after Queen Elizabeth's death

Decisions over whether to postpone this weekend’s sporting events in the wake of the death of Her Majesty the Queen will be left to individual organisers.

The call on whether to go ahead will be made following consideration of official mourning guidance, set to be issued by the Cabinet Office.

However, the PA news agency understands it will be left to individual organisations to choose how to proceed and postponements will not be mandatory.

Following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Friday's play between England and South Africa Men at The Oval, along with all scheduled matches in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, will not take place. For fixtures beyond Friday, updates will be provided in due course. pic.twitter.com/hcQ6CBJ3Wx

— England and Wales Cricket Board (@ECB_cricket) September 8, 2022

A meeting involving representatives from sports governing bodies and the Government is scheduled for Friday morning.

However, the Irish Football Association issued a statement at 9.23am on Friday which read: “As a mark of respect following the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, this weekend’s fixtures across all affiliated football in Northern Ireland, and all other organised football activity, at all levels, have been postponed.”

A number of sporting events listed for Friday have already been postponed following the death of Elizabeth II, who was the nation’s longest-reigning monarch after serving as head of state for more than 70 years.

The England and Wales Cricket Board announced play in the men’s third Test between England and South Africa at The Oval would not take place, while the English Football League postponed two matches: Burnley v Norwich in the Championship and Tranmere v Stockport in League Two.

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