Players must be tested twice a week
THE EFL have confirmed twiceweekly testing for coronavirus will become mandatory for all 72 clubs in the Championship, League One and League Two. The tests will come into force from Monday, January 11, with the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) fully funding the programme following discussions with the EFL. Clubs in the EFL have this this week been undergoing a mandatory round of testing as cases across the country continue to rise, with England going into lockdown earlier this week.
Grimsby Town recorded no positive tests following testing on Tuesday, while Scunthorpe United are reported to have been given the all-clear as well. The re-introduction of leaguewide testing comes amid increasing calls for a break to be implemented in the current season with the emergence of a new strain of Covid-19.
A number of fixtures have fallen victim in recent weeks due to outbreaks at clubs.
In a statement, EFL chief executive Trevor Birch said: “We have repeatedly maintained that adhering to the stringent protocols implemented during the re-start last summer and then across all clubs since the beginning of the season was going to be our best chance of beating the virus and to keep playing matches.
“Only last week we took the decision to enhance these to further minimise risk, though with the new strain of the virus taking hold across parts of the country, it is now clear from our discussions with our medical advisors and public health officials that additional testing, operated in conjunction with strict protocols, may prove beneficial in the immediate short-term.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the PFA for their support in helping us to finalise a position on testing across all three divisions on a twice-weekly basis.
“We will continue to review the situation and make any adjustments or changes as circumstances dictate with the health and well-being of our players and club staff the overwhelming priority.”
PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor added: “In the light of the current increase in COVID-19 cases and the resulting further tightening of government regulations, the PFA and the EFL have agreed enhanced measures to help protect players, staff and their families.
“Football has provided temporary relief for many fans during the lockdown. PFA members, alongside millions of people, have worked hard and played a positive role throughout the pandemic.
“We believe that this comprehensive and expansive approach to testing will help support clubs and be an important factor in maintaining fixtures and ensuring that football can continue during this challenging period.”
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