The Premier League is due to hold a crucial discussion about Covid-19.
Six out of ten Premier League games were postponed on Saturday and Sunday due to coronavirus cases; Chelsea's request to postpone their match against Wolves was granted, and Thomas Tuchel stated that his players' health was jeopardised.
Premier League Clubs
Between Boxing Day and January 2, most Premier League clubs are scheduled to play three times, and there are fears that more games will be postponed due to the escalating number of Covid cases.
There would also be an increased workload on players who are available to play in games that go ahead, and there is a real worry among teams that they could soon be forced to play games without spectators.
Managers and captains from the Premier League will also meet separately.
On Monday at 1 p.m., a special Premier League shareholders meeting will be held to discuss the impact of the escalating number of coronavirus infections on the league.
Six out of ten Premier League games were postponed over the weekend, and teams must now decide whether to use Boxing Day as a Covid circuit-breaker and halt the following round of games.
Some teams believe they should continue playing because there is no guarantee that the situation would improve if they stop, while others believe the competition’s integrity is being jeopardised and the next round of games should be cancelled.
Managers and captains from the Premier League will also meet separately.
Until now, the league has considered postponement requests on a case-by-case basis, but the decision-making process has been criticised.
The timing of certain game cancellations has also created annoyance, with Aston Villa’s match against Burnley being called off just over two hours before kick-off on Saturday.
Despite their seven positive cases, Chelsea were disappointed that their plea to postpone Sunday’s Premier League match at Wolves, which ended 0-0, was denied.
Player’s Health
Thomas Tuchel, the boss, stated: “We put the players’ health and safety at danger, not just because of Covid, but also because of their physical condition. I’m not sure if I’ll be able to capture Covid. I’m hoping I won’t catch it.”
Meanwhile, the EFL, which has been plagued by a slew of postponements, claims to be in daily contact with all teams about the situation.
All four Carabao Cup quarter-final ties are expected to take place this week, according to the league.
What are the rules for postponements in the Premier League?
Covid guidelines are included in the 2021/22 Premier League rulebook, which stipulates that the Premier League board will “only approve the rearrangement or postponement of a league match in extraordinary circumstances.”
The board makes decisions on a case-by-case basis, however the Premier League has said that if a club has 14 or more players from their squad list available, permission for a postponement will not be granted.
Covid-19 outbreak at the club
The Premier League said in a statement that it will “consider a variety of variables, including a club’s ability to field a team; the status, severity, and potential impact of the Covid-19 outbreak at the club; and the players’ capacity to safely prepare for and play the match.”
“The Board must also take into account the broader hazards to the opponents and other people with whom the club may come into contact.”
Article Verified by: