Premier League football clubs are poised to introduce mandatory Covid passes amid growing concerns over the rise of the Omicron variant across the country.
Representatives from the league have been holding talks with Whitehall officials with the aim of looking at bringing in Covid vaccine certificates, i understands.
Premier League clubs have been among the most eager sectors to introduce the passports as they seek to keep capacity crowds in stadiums throughout the season.
Clubs have lost billions in lost revenue over the last 20 months after coronavirus forced the suspension of the game for part of the 2019-20 season and then for nearly all games to be played behind closed doors for the following season.
A source in the Premier League confirmed to i that a dialogue has been ongoing with the Government on the issue of Covid passes, with the aim for the league to be able to “be prepared and flexible so we can adapt to any changes to the path of the pandemic and government policy, including Plan B”.
Some clubs have been carrying out spot checks on spectators to see if they are fully-vaccinated, while others have been planning for a full roll out of the certificate.
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Earlier this year, the league was looking into developing its own Covid pass, which could be linked to fans’ tickets, with both being scanned when they scan their smartphones.
It has since emerged that ministers are now meeting to discuss additional restrictions in an attempt to slow the rate of transmission of the Omicron variant, which could include introduce Covid pases and asking people to work from home.
Under Plan B, all outdoor venues and “crowded settings with 4,000 or more attendees” in close proximity will require a Covid pass, while any setting with 10,000 or more attendees, “such as large sports and music stadia” will also need to show proof of vaccination.
But Boris Johnson faces a major task if he is required to introduce Covid passes via a vote in Parliament, with Labour and the Lib Dems reluctant to back the policy and Tory MPs on the rampage over his handling of recent events.
from Football – inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/3GtEr3l
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