Top flight sets rule of four for call-offs

PREMIER LEAGUE clubs will now have to show proof of four positive tests in their squads in order to have a fixture postponed following a Covid summit.

Sportsmail revealed on Monday that top-flight clubs were considering a significant shift in the cancellation criteria brought in to deal with the pandemic.

Now a move away from ‘available players’ to ‘active Covid cases’ will be brought in from the next round of fixtures, starting on February 5, following input from Public Health England.

No objections to the change were made at the Premier League meeting yesterday and the new criteria will apply when clubs return to action next month.

Previously, teams who wanted a match called off had to show they did not have 13 available players plus a goalkeeper, with injuries and absence on international duty taken into account.

That led to 22 postponements and acrimony between clubs, which intensified after it emerged arsenal managed to get the north London derby postponed despite having only one confirmed positive case.

Now, the minimum threshold to request a match being called off is proof of four positive tests within their playing squad.

Even then, such an outbreak would not necessarily trigger an automatic cancellation.

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters (above), stung by criticism and hostility among top-flight clubs, was moved to take action. He called around clubs and managed to lobby significant support, with as many as 18 voicing their backing.

Rather than a rule change, the shift will take the form of guidance, amid a threat of legal action should the league be seen to be moving the goalposts midway through the season. as such, no vote was necessary.

Mandatory Covid pass checks on fans at stadiums are also being removed but supporters will be encouraged to wear face coverings in indoor areas.