Nottingham Forest boss Sabri Lamouchi says he “commends” the decision to suspend the Championship season due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Following an emergency meeting on Friday morning, the English Football League agreed no more matches will be played until April 3, at the earliest.
The Reds’ games with Sheffield Wednesday, Huddersfield Town and Bristol City have been postponed and they are due to resume action on April 4 - away to arch-rivals Derby County.
Forest’s owner Evangelos Marinakis announced earlier this week he had tested positive for COVID-19, and Lamouchi says understandable action has now been taken by the authorities.
"First, I'm sure you will all join me in wishing our owner Evangelos Marinakis and everyone else affected by the virus a speedy recovery,” he said in a statement on the official club website.
"I felt it was necessary to address you all after the announcement earlier today to postpone all football activity until April 3rd.
"I would like to commend the footballing authorities in making this decision.
“Logistically, it would have been easier to carry on with the footballing calendar as scheduled, however, those who have made the decision have put the health of not just the players and staff but of the general public first.
“We will use this period as a squad to recover, recharge and continue working hard on the training pitch to ensure we are ready for the return to action next month.
"We know that sport and football in general plays an important role in our lives. However, nothing is more important than our own health and the health of our loved ones.
"Please stay safe, look after each other and I look forward to seeing you all at the City Ground soon."
