Leeds United chief executive will address club's approach to Coronavirus and football lockdown

The Whites will not play football again until April at the earliest after the Premier League and EFL put football under an unprecedented lockdown due to the outbreak.

United, the Championship leaders, sit seven points clear of the play-off places and are on a five-game winning streak.

They were due to travel to Cardiff City on Sunday, with nine games remaining.

But Friday morning’s announcement from the EFL has left United’s promotion bid and the season in general up in the air.

The game’s authorities will continue to monitor the situation, with the aim of returning to the fixture list early next month.

England’s chief medical officer Chris Witty has said he expects the UK’s outbreak of the virus to peak in 10 to 14 week’s time.

A spokesperson for the EFL said: “The FA, Premier League, EFL and Barclays FA Women’s Super League and FA Women’s Championship have collectively agreed to postpone the professional game in England until April 3 at the earliest.

“This action, which will be kept under constant review, has been taken due to the increasing numbers of clubs taking steps to isolate their players and staff because of the COVID-19 virus.

“The postponements include all matches in the Championship, League One and League Two, as well as all Academy and youth team fixtures.

“This decision has not been taken lightly, but the EFL must prioritise the health and well-being of players, staff and supporters while also acknowledging the Government’s national efforts in tackling this outbreak.”

The EFL has also advised its clubs to avoid player appearances, interaction between players and fans and visits to training grounds – steps Leeds had already taken.

Marcelo Bielsa and his players altered their entry to Elland Road for last Saturday's game against Huddersfield and the club removed all academy teams and Leeds United Ladies from Thorp Arch, leaving just the first team and the Under 23s, in an attempt to minimise the risk of infection.

The club will hold a senior management meeting on Monday to make decisions on how the club will operate as a business during the suspension and chief executive Angus Kinnear is expected to address the media and supporters.

Leeds have already taken the decision to postpone the 'Legends showcase' against a Bayern Munich XI, which was scheduled for March 28. Tickets for that game, and any of the first team games which fell victim to the suspension, will be valid once they are rearranged.

The YEP understands there are currently no signs of symptoms among the Leeds squad.