Premier League clubs organized a meeting to tackle COVID-19 chaos: revealing the latest info

4 years AGO
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With 6 of this Gameweek’s 10 games postponed, many are worried that the much-loved Boxing Day – a time when fans are expecting a literal hail of football action – could be cancelled this year due to the coronavirus situation.

EPL shareholders held a meeting on Monday via Zoom to discuss a plan of action regarding the coronavirus outbreak in the league and upcoming matches.

Four main issues were discussed at the meeting.

  • The first is the vaccination rate of championship players. 

According to the latest figures, almost a third of EPL players have not received their second dose, while in La Liga and Bundesliga such cases are around 8%.

The Premier League have decided they will not cut the wages of unvaccinated players, as some other countries have done, but the meeting may discuss other measures to deal with the unvaccinated.

  • The second issue is covid-protocols. 

As part of attempts to influence unvaccinated players, EPL clubs could ban all non-mandatory contact between vaccinated and unvaccinated players. In particular, unvaccinated players could be required to change in a separate changing room and travel separately from the rest of the team.

  • The third issue is postponed matches. 

It is expected that the league may postpone all English Premier League matches scheduled for December 28-30. In addition, the clubs will discuss the conditions and terms for rescheduling games to avoid a situation like Chelsea’s when the club was refused to postpone Sunday`s game against Wolverhampton.

  • The fourth issue is the new dates for the rescheduled games.

As it emerged from the talks – the Premier League has no intention of suspending the season even for a tour, despite a large number of teams testing positive for coronavirus.

There are usually two rounds played over five days during the Christmas festivities.

Some clubs, led by Liverpool, have pushed for the rescheduling of at least one round. Still, most teams voted against the idea, calling the plan too complicated and risky.

The clubs were told if they can field a line-up of 13 field players + goalie, the match will take place.

“Been alerted to Premier League handbook, which states if both clubs have 14 players (mainly outfielders) available then the fixture should be played. Safety and welfare is, of course, factored into decision-making regarding Covid cases as well.”

wrote an English journalist recently.

But still, according to the EPL chiefs, the health and well-being of all concerned remains a priority for them. So it has always been the league’s intention to continue its current fixture schedule but only if it is safely possible.

Managers and captains of Premier League teams will also hold separate meetings.

  • Last week, Premier League players tested 42 positive for Covid-19 over a seven-day period, the highest since the pandemic began.
  • The seven Premier League teams still in the Carabao Cup face ties on 21 and 22 December and will play three Premier League fixtures between then and 2 January.