Premier League officials are set to meet with club representatives to discuss changing the Covid-19 postponement rules.
No changes will come into effect until after the winter break, which commences on Monday, i has been told.
But talks are due to take place during the next fortnight with the expectation that the rules agreed upon at the start of the pandemic will be altered.
Several Premier League executives have expressed their concern that the current rules are open to being abused by clubs who are simply unable to put out a strong first team.
More from Football
Chris Wood to Newcastle and Lucas Digne to Aston Villa - full list of Premier League transfers19 January, 2022
Conte attacks 'strange' Premier League decision to postpone Arsenal vs Spurs over injuries19 January, 2022
Why the Premier League won't use winter break for rescheduled games despite mounting backlog19 January, 2022A spokesman said: “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.
“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.”
Controversy raged over the weekend after Arsenal were permitted to postpone the north London derby, scheduled for Sunday against Tottenham Hotspur, with only one positive Covid case.
Spurs spoke of their “extreme surprise” that the application had been granted. While prominent pundit Gary Neville reacted furiously, claiming that clubs were now gaming the system.
Other critics have asked why Premier League clubs are not being forced to use their academy players, as is the case in Germany and Spain.
Arsenal were operating within the rules, which take into account the overall affect of coronavirus on a squad. Arsenal have had at least 11 cases since Decemeber, plus injuries to other players and absentees playing in the African Cup of Nations. Clubs need only one positive case in their squad to apply.
Leeds United, for example, picked seven academy players on their bench who had not made a Premier League appearance for their victory against West Ham. Leeds manager Marco Bielsea said afterwards they could not apply for a postponement as no players had Covid.
If teams are unable to select 13 outfield players and one goalkeeper, a game can be moved.
More on Arsenal FC
Arsenal missed the chance to unearth their next academy star by postponing Spurs game17 January, 2022
Arsenal vs Liverpool could be postponed again as Gunners struggle to raise a team17 January, 2022
From Grealish to Hazard, Europe's struggling superstars show the problem with record transfers17 January, 2022But after complaints from executives and to take into account falling Omicron cases, the Premier League has decided to meet with clubs and formulate appropriate regulations.
They are expected to come into force for the Premier League games that commence in early February.
from Football – inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/3KrHPP6
Post a Comment