Image- Premier League/ Twitter
Premier League clubs on Monday decided against a temporary halt to the season despite a surge in COVID-19 cases that has forced mass postponements and threatened to derail the season. Just four of the weekend’s scheduled 10 games went ahead as Britain battles record numbers of positive Covid cases due to the new Omicron strain. The Premier League board has been considering applications for postponements on a case-by-case basis but there has been criticism over the decision-making process, with fears it jeopardizes the sporting integrity of the competition.
There had been talks of a potential “firebreaker”, with suggestions that the middle round of the festive fixtures from December 28-30 could be postponed.
But on Monday the English top-flight, following a shareholders’ meeting involving representatives from the 20 clubs, said games would continue through the busy festive season.
“It was confirmed at a Premier League club meeting today that while recognizing a number of clubs are experiencing Covid-19 outbreaks and challenges, it is the league’s collective intention to continue the current fixture schedule where safely possible,” the Premier League said in a statement.
“The health and wellbeing of all concerned remains our priority and the League will continue to monitor and reflect public health guidance, always proceeding with caution.”
The statement also said 84 percent of players had had at least one dose of vaccination.
“The league continues to work with clubs to encourage vaccination among players and club staff, as well as promoting the Government’s public-health vaccination messaging to clubs and the wider public,” it added.
“Throughout the pandemic, our two priorities have been ensuring the welfare of those involved in EFL competitions and ensuring the fixture schedule can continue where it is safe to do so,” said EFL chief executive Trevor Birch.
The Football Association said FA Cup replays for the third and fourth round have been scrapped to free up space in the calendar.
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