Premier League Suspends Weekend Matches Following Queen Elizabeth II's Death

The Premier League has suspended this weekend’s matches after the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

The queen, who sat on the British throne for 70 years, died at the age of 96 on Thursday. She was the commonwealth’s longest-serving monarch.

The league’s decision to postpone the weekend matches came after a meeting of its shareholders Friday, according to ESPN. That came after an earlier meeting between representatives from various sporting entities and the government’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

 "At a meeting this morning, Premier League clubs paid tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II,” the league said in a statement.

"To honour her extraordinary life and contribution to the nation, and as a mark of respect, this weekend's Premier League match round will be postponed, including Monday evening's game."

The U.K. is in period of national mourning, which will last last 10 days, according to NBC News, though the Premier League was under no mandate to postpone matches.

"There is no obligation to cancel or postpone events and sporting fixtures, or close entertainment venues during the national mourning period. This is at the discretion of individual organisations," the U.K. government said in a document outlining guidance for businesses and the public.

 "As a mark of respect, organisations might wish to consider cancelling or postponing events or closing venues on the day of the State Funeral. They are under no obligation to do so and this is entirely at the discretion of individual organisations."

The queen’s funeral won’t take place until the 10-day mourning period is concluded.

The Premier League didn’t take a vote among member clubs on the decision to postpone the weekend’s action, according to ESPN. Instead, the board decided and the clubs agreed.

There’s been no decision made yet on when Premier League action will resume or when postponed matches will be rescheduled.