Premier League clubs have unanimously decided that they must have a minimum of four Covid cases in their squad before applying for a postponement.
Representatives from each club gathered for a meeting on Wednesday to discuss the decision, as controversy has surrounded Premier League fixtures over the festive period that have been called off at late notice.
There have been 22 matches postponed in the top flight this season compared to one in Germany’s Bundesliga and none in Spain’s La Liga.
As per The Times, some clubs believed rivals had been gaming the system to have matches postponed despite the Premier League's recommendation that clubs should only be allowed to apply for a postponement if they had four Covid cases in the squad.
However, some clubs sent off applications to have games postponed with less than the advised four cases in their camp, claiming that injuries, as well as having players away at the Africa Cup of Nations, meant that they were unable to field 13 or more outfield players.
That's now set to change, though, after clubs unanimously decided that the Premier League's guidance should now be set in stone, meaning clubs must have a minimum of four Covid cases in their squad before applying for postponement.
The news comes after pressure from Aston Villa’s chief executive Christian Purslow said a change was needed urgently as the regulations were “no longer fit for purpose.”
It's something that's been the centre of huge controversy and debate amongst clubs and their fans - not least the recent North London Derby postponement request from Arsenal - but most will now be pleased that a reasonable outcome has seemingly been reached.
