The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) have said that it will be up to the Premier League whether or not they will allow next weekend’s fixtures to go ahead.
On Thursday, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II died at the age of 96 and on Friday, the Premier League postponed all ten of its matches, including West Ham United’s scheduled meeting with Newcastle United on Sunday, as a mark of respect.
A decision is yet to be confirmed over whether next weekend’s matches will also be postponed, with the possibility that police resources could be stretched across the country with many people expected to head to London and pay tribute to Her Majesty ahead of her funeral, which is set to take place on Monday, September 19.
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However, DCMS have told football.london that they will be happy to allow matches to go ahead, should the Premier League wish to, and it is up to the governing bodies as to whether or not matches go ahead or are postponed.
DCMS said: "Our guidance will stay the same. There's no obligation to cancel as far as the government is concerned. But it's ultimately up to the Premier League and EFL to make those decisions."
Met Police also added a statement for games due to take place in London, adding: "Whether matches go ahead is a matter for the football authorities. If fixtures do take place, the Met will work with the relevant partners and ensure that appropriate policing plans are in place."
West Ham are due to face Everton at Goodison Park on Sunday, with a decision over next weekend’s matches still to be reached.
The Hammers are next expected to be in action on Thursday night when they face Danish side Silkeborg in Denmark in their second Europa Conference League group stage match.
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