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EFL plan to continue with fixture schedule ‘where it is safe to do so’

Kai Bennett
The EFL have confirmed that all fixtures will continue over the Christmas period – provided it is “safe to do so”.
A rise in Covid-19 cases had seen matches involving Millwall, Crystal Palace and AFC Wimbledon all postponed last weekend.
Some of the Lions players resumed training at Calmont Road today. They had been due to host Preston North End on Saturday but a “significant” number of positive tests saw the fixture not take place.
Charlton Athletic’s 1-0 defeat against Plymouth Argyle was the only game involving a South London club in the top four divisions go ahead.
Palace match at Watford will be rescheduled after the Hornets had a rise in cases.
AFC Wimbledon’s game against Portsmouth also did not take place after the latter told the EFL they would be unable to fulfil the fixture due to positive tests.
An EFL statement said: “The EFL can confirm that its programme of games in the league and Carabao Cup will continue with fixtures to be played where it is safe to do so, and the set squad criteria can be fulfilled by clubs.

“While the league acknowledges there will likely be future postponements to navigate where Covid-19 cases are identified, there is optimism that disruption can be minimised following implementation of RED protocols, a daily testing regime and ongoing vaccination rollout.”

EFL chief executive Trevor Birch said: “Throughout the pandemic, our two priorities have been ensuring the welfare of those involved in EFL competitions and ensuring the fixture schedule can continue where it is safe to do so.

“We will continue to work with clubs, authorities and other agencies to monitor the Covid-19 case rate and be prepared to respond accordingly, yet for now the view remains that we can continue to deliver games safely where clubs have sufficient healthy personnel in place, on and off the pitch.

“With club mitigation measures, the mass adoption of booster jabs and Covid certification now required for larger crowds, we are sure many fans will continue to feel confident in attending matches over the Christmas period and we look forward to welcoming them.”

One thought on “EFL plan to continue with fixture schedule ‘where it is safe to do so’”

  • As a football fan, I was disgusted to see that apparently, 25% of professional footballers WILL NOT have the vaccination, I assume for various reasons which I will not go into here. These guys are role models, whether they like it or not and I’m sure most like being the former. Wouldn’t it be nice if some got on TV or other media and were seen to be champion the vaccination programme for others to see and I’m sure other doubters would follow. I tested positive for Covid last Friday and I may have caught it at The Valley on 11th December, as I started symptoms on Wednesday last. I am 70 years of age and have had 2 jabs and a booster, wear a mask where required wash hands frequently, yet it still got me. whilst our Christmas plans are ruined, I have had Covid in a very mild form, as has my wife and this must be down to the jabs – nothing else. Anyone reading this, should put aside their various reasons for not having the jabs and get vaccinated – including ALL professional footballers and do it NOW or we will very soon be heading for matches to be played behind locked doors !!

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