Premier League clubs agree to new postponement guidance

Premier League clubs have agreed on new postponement guidance that says teams will have to show four positive COVID-19 cases in order to apply to have a match called off.

The guidance change comes after a series of controversial decisions to call off matches, with clubs using a combination of coronavirus, injuries, suspensions and players on international duty to postpone games.

There have been 22 match postponements due to coronavirus and other factors in the Premier League this season.

The last match to be called off was Arsenal’s controversial postponement against Spurs, which drew criticism from their north London rivals.

It was announced on Monday that the number of positive Covid-19 cases in the Premier League had fallen for the fourth week in a row.

In the seven days up to and including January 23, there were just 16 new cases among players and staff, from 6,221 tests – the lowest number of positives in a week since December 5.

The new guidance will come into effect ahead of the next Premier League fixture on Saturday, February 5 when Burnley host Watford.