Published from Mumbai, Delhi & Bhopal

Premier League: Minimum four Covid-19 cases needed for fixture postponement now

London : Premier League clubs can apply for a fixture postponement only if they have a minimum of four positive Covid-19 cases in their squads, the league said on Wednesday following a meeting of representatives of all 20 clubs.

The guidance change comes after a series of controversial decisions to call off matches, with clubs using a combination of coronavirus, injuries, suspensions and players on international duty to postpone games.

A total of 22 match postponements due to coronavirus and other factors in the Premier League this season.

Earlier, a match could be postponed if one of the teams did not have 13 available outfield players — and one goalkeeper — “either from its squad list or its appropriately experienced Under-21 players”.

“Following a club meeting today, the Premier League’s Covid-19 match postponement guidance has been updated to include a Covid-19 impact threshold,” the league said in a statement.

“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,” it added.

The new guidance will come into effect ahead of the next Premier League fixture on Saturday when Burnley host Watford.

Hindi Website