Coronavirus: Hampshire FA to adopt business as usual approach - but opt to postpone 11 county cup final matches

The FA announced earlier that all leagues across the country can make their own decisions as to whether to suspend matches moving forward.

But should they wish to, games can continue as normal, as long as government guidelines are followed and the situation regarding availability of players and officials in the locality is taken into account.

An FA statement read: ‘The FA is fully aware that there are questions about whether grassroots football in England should be played because of the Covid-19 virus.

‘Consistent with government advice, the FA is recommending that grassroots football is able to continue as usual for now, with each league or centre making its own individual decision based on its local situation and the availability of players and officials.

‘However, we would fully respect and support any leagues, centres or teams that wish to postpone fixtures in light of the Covid-19 virus.

‘The decision to postpone all professional football in England has been taken with the integrity of the competitions in mind, considering the availability of players, staff and facilities.

‘We will continue to monitor all Government advice and keep the situation under constant review, with the priority being the health and wellbeing of all.

‘Further updates will follow as needed.’

But the Hampshire FA have taken the step to postpone 11 upcoming cup finals following the coronavirus pandemic.

Portsmouth Women are one of the teams who have been impacted by the decision by the association.

Pompey's scheduled Hampshire Senior Cup final against arch-rivals Southampton will no longer take place on March 26, with a new date to be arranged.

Moneyfields, Pompey in the Community and AFC Portchester youth teams have all been affected by the decision to postpone matches.

Moneys under-18 side were set to meet AFC Stoneham Youth for the right to be crowned Sunday Cup champions on March 29.

Meanwhile, Portchester's girls under-14 cup final against AFC Bournemouth CST and PITC's girls under-12 cup final with the same opponent will both be rescheduled.

US Portsmouth's Women's Trophy final with Eversley & California has also been postponed.

At present, 11 cup finals will be rearranged by the Hampshire FA.

All other matches in various competitions are still scheduled to go ahead at this time.