Footballers, including Premier League stars, who refuse to get a vaccine could be banned from some games under new Government rules.
The rule could extend to all sports stars who refuse to get a jab.
Under current rules there is an exemption for unvaccinated sports stars arriving in the UK who have not been vaccinated.
They do not need to quarantine for 10 days - unlike almost everyone else who has decided not to have the jab.
But Nadine Dorries, the Culture Secretary, is pushing for an end to that rule, reports the Telegraph.
Any Premier League star leaving the UK to take part in European matches - or play anywhere else in the world - would have to quarantine for 10 days when they get back to the UK.
The same would apply to any sports stars leaving the UK to take part in foreign competitions without having had a vaccine.
That would mean that, on returning to the UK, they would miss any fixtures for 10 days.
The rule would cover any sports star taking part in international travel -including cricket, rugby, golf and cycling.
A government source told the Telegraph said: “If you want to have special treatment you’ve got to do your bit to keep others healthy and safe. Getting vaccinated isn’t only about your health but others.”
The current exemption applies to elite athletes who live in the UK and those who live abroad - and any change could apply to both categories.
The Telegraph says 16 per cent of Premier League players are unvaccinated.
The move would mean players taking part in Champions Legaue or Europa League matches in the week could not play for teams in the UK at the weekend.
A spokesman for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport said: “Throughout the pandemic we have put in place measures to allow international sport to continue, while at the same time protecting public health.
“We have exemptions for domestic and international sportspeople to leave self-isolation for specified events, but only to train or to compete. They must self-isolate at all other times, and must follow strict protocols in the operation of these events.
“We are committed to international sport continuing and will review the exemptions regime to ensure it is operating effectively and fairly.”
