PFA fork out £5m to pay for EFL clubs’ tests

THE PFA have committed to funding twice-weekly Covid-19 tests for all EFL clubs for the rest of the season in a move that will cost about £5million. The players’ union initially agreed to help with the cost of occasional testing for players returning from abroad last October, but the screening programme will increase dramatically from next week in an attempt to ensure the season can be completed without interruption. A total of 52 games have been postponed in the EFL due to positive Covid tests so far this season — six in the Championship, 34 in League One and 12 in League Two. There are fears many more could follow due to the fast-spreading new strain of the virus. As a result, twice-weekly testing will become mandatory from Monday. An initial round of tests has already been completed at every club with the results to be made public by the EFL today or tomorrow. In a major boost for struggling EFL clubs, the PFA have agreed to pay for the testing programme, a significant achievement for new EFL chief executive Trevor Birch, who only started work this week. ‘With the new strain of the virus taking hold, it is clear from discussions with our medical advisers and public health officials that additional testing may prove beneficial,’ said Birch. PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor added: ‘We believe this will help support clubs and be an important factor in ensuring that football can continue during this challenging period.’