The Premier League side can apply for a fixture delay only if they have a minimum of four positive Covid-19 cases in their team, the word league on Wednesday follows a representative meeting of all 20 clubs.
22 matches have been summoned this season due to the Covid-19 outbreak and the no availability of the next player, with the league criticized by several clubs for handling their crisis.
Previously, the match could be postponed if one team did not have 13 outfield players available – and one goalkeeper – “either from the list of the squad or who exceeded the player under 21”.
“After meeting club today, the guidance of the postponement of the Premier Covid-19 match has been updated to include the threshold of the impact of Covid-19,” the League said in a statement.
“From now on, if a club is valid to postpone matches on the grounds that players who are insufficient because of Covid-19, they must have a minimum of four positive cases in their squad.” The new guidelines will kick in front of the game between Burnley and Watford in February 5.
Previous rules are under severe supervision, with several clubs accused of “manipulating the system” to get a match that was postponed during a busy celebration period.
Tottenham Hotspur is the most vocal in their criticism after the delay in the North London derby earlier this month, said they were “very surprised” that demand from Arsenal, who had one Covid-19 case, was received.
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel and Arsenal’s colleague Mikel Arteta also called for more clarity around Covid-19 related delays.
Liga added: “The club application will continue to be assessed based on cases per case.
Premier League Council examines a number of factors, including the ability of the club to involve the team; status, severity and potential impact of Covid-19.” On Monday, the league has reported 16 new Covid-19 infections in the previous week, continued the trend of decline in the number of positive cases for the fourth week.
Minimum 4 Covid Case required for postponement Fixture: EPL
