VACCINE PASSPORTS IN TIME FOR NEXT SEASON?
THE Premier League and Football League want the UK Government to introduce vaccine passports to facilitate the return of fans to stadiums next season.
Sportsmail has learned that, as part of a Covid Certification Review run by the UK government’s Cabinet Office, both bodies submitted evidence this week outlining their support for vaccine certificates. It is envisaged these would operate digitally as part of the test-and-trace NHS app.
The Government’s consultation over the introduction of vaccine passports has been rejected by representatives of the hospitality industry. The Premier League and EFL, however, are convinced the scheme could play a vital role in enabling fans to attend matches.
Both would also want it to be extended to supporters who have tested negative for Covid-19 within the required period. There is a recognition that some people cannot be vaccinated for health or religious reasons and executives do not want them to lose out.
The earliest proposed date for the introduction of vaccine passports is late July, which is when it is hoped all adults in Britain will have been offered at least one jab – a time-table that would fit in with the start of next season. The EFL is due to start on August 6 and the Premier League a week later.
The FA are also expected to embrace vaccine passports if they are introduced, although they will not be used at the European Championship when Wembley will open its doors to Scotland fans for the group D England clash.
There is hope that at least 10,000 domestic supporters will be allowed into Wembley for England’s group matches.
Next week, the UK government are to confirm the plan for spectators to return to football — but fans will have to take up to three Covid tests to attend test events. Sportsmail understands the schedule for test events will be released as early as Monday.
The FA Cup semi-final between Leicester and Southampton on April 18, where 4,000 spectators are set to be permitted, and the Carabao Cup final between Tottenham and Manchester City on April 25, where it is hoped 8,000 will attend, will be confirmed as dates.