UK clubs brace for Champions League decision after Queen's death as UEFA issue statement

British clubs could have the option of rearranging their next Champions League group stage fixtures following the death of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday, while this weekend's Premier League streak will be " almost certain" to be postponed, according to reports. The Queen, the country's longest-reigning monarch, died at her Balmoral residence in Scotland earlier on Thursday while surrounded by close members of the royal family.

The news of Her Majesty's death has raised many questions about whether the football matches scheduled for the weekend will go ahead as planned, while the next round of European group stage fixtures involving English clubs could also be affected. However, it looks like the affected teams could rearrange their upcoming continental fixtures, with UEFA likely to grant a special waiver for English teams to do so.

That's according to , who report that it would be "inconceivable" for UEFA not to give clubs the option to reschedule next week's European games. It could be a different story in the Premier League, however, with the next round of domestic fixtures set to be postponed as a mark of respect following the Queen's death.

This weekend's Premier League games are said to be 'almost certain' to be suspended in light of Thursday's news, while EFL games originally scheduled for Friday have already been postponed.

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In the meantime, it remains to be seen whether English clubs due to play in Europe next week will ask for their games to be postponed after the Queen's death, with Buckingham Palace officially announcing that she has died aged 96 Thursday evening. His remarkable tenure as head of state spanned 70 years, including post-war austerity after World War II, the transition from empire to commonwealth, and the entry and exit of the United Kingdom. United of the European Union.

UEFA paid tribute to the Queen with a statement released later on Thursday, with moments of silence observed at two of the matchday Europa League matches involving Arsenal and Manchester United.

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"UEFA advises that a minute's silence was observed at matches involving British teams tonight as a mark of respect following the sad passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II," the statement read.

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For his part, UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin added: "UEFA and European football are truly saddened by the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, one of the most respected personalities in the world.

"Our hearts go out to his family and to the president of the English Football Association, Prince William, as well as to the citizens of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth realms."