The Premier League has announced changes to their Covid-19 postponement rules following fan furore over recent fixture changes.
Arsenal and Liverpool bore the brunt of the criticism after their recent requests for cancellations were granted. The latter’s request to reschedule a Carabao Cup semi final caused particular controversy after it was revealed that a number of players delivered false positive tests.
In a statement, the Premier League announced the following:
“Following a club meeting today [Wednesday 26th January], the Premier League’s COVID-19 match postponement guidance has been updated to include a COVID-19 impact threshold.
“From now on, if a club applies to postpone a match on the grounds of insufficient players due to COVID-19, they must have a minimum of four positive cases within their squad.
“This guidance will come into effect ahead of the next Premier League fixture on Saturday 5 February (Burnley v Watford).
“Throughout the pandemic, the Premier League has adapted its guidance in response to the wider public health situation. The guidance was last updated in December in response to the emergence of the Omicron variant.
“The League’s postponement rules and guidance are designed to protect the wellbeing of players and staff, while maintaining the sporting integrity of the competition and the quality of squads playing League matches.
“Club applications will continue to be assessed on a case-by-case basis. The Premier League Board examines a number of factors, including the ability of a club to field a team; the status, severity and potential impact of COVID-19; and the ability of the players to safely prepare for and play the match.
“The detail within all applications is scrutinised by the League’s specialist staff before the Board makes its decision.”