Covid-19: EFL removes matchday testing for players as 13 new year games are postponed

City Ground, NottinghamGetty Images

Nottingham Forest have risen to 10th in the Championship since Steve Cooper became manager

The English Football League has removed the need for clubs to test players for Covid-19 on matchdays in an effort to prevent late postponements.

The EFL accept the situation was not ideal and believe that testing every day, apart from matchdays, is enough.

Nottingham Forest's home game against Barnsley on Monday has been called off because of injuries and Covid cases in Steve Cooper's squad.

It is the 13th game in the EFL new year programme to be postponed.

Leaders Bournemouth against Peterborough United and Swansea City v second-placed Fulham had previously been called off.

Peterborough have now had all three of their fixtures over the festive period called off.

The League One games at Ipswich, Plymouth and Wigan on New Year's Day were also off, as well as Sunderland v Fleetwood on Sunday.

And in League Two, Harrogate v Port Vale, Rochdale v Mansfield and Salford City v Tranmere were also postponed.

Leyton Orient against Bristol Rovers was called off on New Year's Day because of Covid-19 cases in the Rovers squad.

Following the postponement of their game, Forest said they had "less than the minimum number of players" available according to EFL rules.

"This is the first Forest fixture that has been postponed due to the pandemic," said a club statement.

"We thank the EFL and Barnsley for their co-operation and share the disappointment of supporters who had made plans to attend the City Ground for the first match of the new year.

"Strong ticket sales meant another large crowd was expected and we understand the frustration of both Forest and Barnsley supporters who might have made advance travel plans."

The EFL decision to remove matchday testing was taken after Hull City's Championship fixture with Blackburn on 26 December was postponed about two hours before kick-off when away fans were already travelling.

A league spokesperson said the EFL was confident its new measures were enough to ensure that matches take place safely without inconveniencing supporters.

"Over the past week, it has become clear that the requirement for matchday testing has caused significant concern and uncertainty at clubs as well as seriously affecting supporters," the spokesperson added.

"The league revisited the matter with its medical advisors and, after careful consideration, which included dialogue with a significant number of club doctors, it was determined that the requirement for matchday testing would be removed, except for those individuals who display Covid symptoms.

"Daily testing will continue on non-matchdays with clubs following updated red protocols which remain our biggest protection against the transmission of Covid."

Games postponed because of Covid-19 cases

1 January

Championship:

Coventry City v Luton Town

Sheffield United v Middlesbrough

League One:

Ipswich Town v Lincoln City

Plymouth Argyle v AFC Wimbledon

Wigan Athletic v Accrington Stanley

League Two:

Harrogate v Port Vale

Leyton Orient v Bristol Rovers

Rochdale v Mansfield Town

Salford City v Tranmere Rovers

2 January

League One:

Sunderland v Fleetwood

3 January

Championship:

Swansea City v Fulham

Bournemouth v Peterborough United

Nottingham Forest v Barnsley

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