The Premier League could change its rules on coronavirus postponements after this week’s fixtures, following a string of controversial cancellations.
The north London derby did not go ahead this weekend at Arsenal’s request, despite the Gunners having just one publicly-known Covid-19 case.
Although the postponement was within the current rules – which consider the overall effects of coronavirus on a team’s availability – it caused uproar, with many fans and pundits claiming the regulations are not fit for purpose.
As per The Athletic, the Premier League could be ready to shake-up the rulebook after gameweek 23 – which ends on Sunday 23 January.
After this there is a break in games until 8 February and the league hopes this will give enough time for a new agreement on postponements to be struck.
“The Premier League is consulting with our clubs regarding COVID-19 postponement rules and guidance in light of the changing national picture and the falling number of cases within our squads,” a Premier League statement read.
“The league’s current guidance was amended in December following the emergence of the new Omicron variant and we continue to monitor the ongoing effects of the virus and will update our guidance accordingly.”
The English top-flight could take inspiration from the continent when hammering out new rules. La Liga, Serie A and the Bundesliga have had far fewer cancellations than the Premier League – where 21 matches have had to be rearranged so far.
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