Top-flight clubs may soon be asked to provide proof of four positive Coronavirus test results as the Premier League considers stricter measures regarding fixture postponement.
The 2021/22 season has so far been picked apart by the Omicron variant, leading to a total of 21 Premier League matches being called off to date.
Many believe the current guidance, which allows clubs to submit a postponement request if they do not have 13 available players plus a goalkeeper, has been taken advantage of by clubs - but steps are now being taken to stamp out any further unnecessary congestion to the fixture list.
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A Daily Mail report has claimed that a move away from ‘available players’ to ‘active Covid cases’ has received 'considerable backing after gaining the support of as many as 18 clubs.
Any changes made could come into play by the time Premier League clubs are in action again at the start of February, though an official voting process on the new guidance is yet to take place.
If approved, it is anticipated that the four positive tests required to call a game off would be viewed as a ‘minimum requirement’ as opposed to an automatic trigger for calling games off.
One potential setback facing the Premier League, however, is the prospect of legal action.
The above report adds that certain sides feel rules are 'being abused' by those who have been missing players at the Africa Cup of Nations or through injury or suspension and are keen to seek damages.
Everton have seen Premier League fixtures against Leicester (twice), Burnley and Newcastle called off due to their opponents being unable to field a team on each occasion.
Liverpool, meanwhile, saw their Boxing Day clash at Anfield with Leeds United postponed for the same reason.
