EFL confirm that games will NOT take place this weekend, with Wigan Athletic set to host Blackburn Rovers

The news was always on the cards after Rick Parry, chair of the EFL, released a statement less than an hour after Buckingham Palace confirmed the death of the monarch on Thursday evening.

“Today, the EFL was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Her Majesty, The Queen Elizabeth II," Parry said.

"Over a 70-year reign, Her Majesty proudly served the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth with distinction.

“The Queen had a keen interest in sport including football. Her Majesty attended numerous FA Cup finals throughout her reign and was an advocate for our national sport through her many years of service.

“The Monarch was at Wembley Stadium in 1966 for perhaps our national game’s most famous moment to present captain Bobby Moore with the Jules Rimet Trophy after England beat West Germany to win the World Cup.

“On behalf of the league and its flubs, we join the rest of the nation and people across the world in mourning the passing of our Queen, Elizabeth II.

“The thoughts of everybody at the EFL and our clubs are with the Royal Family at this sad time for our country.”

The statement concluded: "Consideration in respect of EFL fixtures will be discussed with the government and the wider sport sector during the period ahead and an appropriate announcement will be made at the earliest opportunity."

A later statement added: “As a mark of respect, following the passing of Her Majesty, The Queen Elizabeth II earlier today, the EFL has confirmed that its fixtures scheduled for tomorrow evening (Friday 9 September) – Burnley v Norwich City and Tranmere Rovers v Stockport County - have been postponed.

"A determination regarding the remainder of this weekend’s scheduled fixtures will be made following a review of the official mourning guidance, in addition to further consultation with DCMS and other sports on Friday morning.”

The decision wasn’t long in coming, with a further statement from the EFL on Friday morning reading: "Further to discussions on Friday morning it has been determined that all EFL fixtures from 9-10 September will be postponed as a mark of respect by the National Sport to the passing of HRH Queen Elizabeth II.

"This is aligned with the approach that the Premier League and the FA will take with their competitions this weekend.

"Further information, in respect of how football, clubs and their supporters will commemorate Her Majesty’s reign will be confirmed at an appropriate point.

"Details regarding rearranged games will be announced in due course."

It’s also been rumoured are discussions are taking place as to whether to postpone NEXT weekend’s fixtures ahead of the funeral, which is expected to take place on Monday week (September 19).

However, there are as yet no plans to postpone the midweek programme in between, with Latics set to travel to Huddersfield Town on Tuesday (September 13).