EFL Clubs hold ‘urgent talks’ on ramped-up Covid testing to avoid fixture chaos

There have been positive cases reported at both West Brom and QPR, with Rangers calling off two Championship fixtures – against Sheffield United and Swansea – due to the outbreak

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Clubs in the Football League want mandatory twice-weekly testing to be brought in to try and protect the festive fixture list.

Fixtures are starting to drop off due to a spike in positive Covid tests. Queens Park Rangers have been affected by an outbreak which cancelled last Monday’s Championship game with Sheffield United.

It has also put paid to this Saturday’s game against Swansea City.

West Bromwich Albion also suffered a clutch of positive cases but still went ahead with their game against Reading last weekend. Under EFL regulations, it is the responsibility of each club to inform the league that a fixture cannot be fulfilled.

A report in the Daily Mail states that “urgent discussions are taking place at the EFL, but no decision has yet been made” with regards introducing regular testing.

How hopeful are you that we will avoid mass fixture disruption because of Covid? Let us know in the comments

All 20 Premier League clubs agreed on Tuesday to introduce mandatory daily lateral flow tests with two PCR tests on top.

Efforts are being ramped up across football as clubs attempt to keep the Omicron variant at bay.

But Ipswich Town physio Matt Byard told the Mail that he hoped a decision will arrive this week regarding further testing.

“Omicron has changed things and we need to act accordingly.

“I feel we are where we were 12 months ago. The experiences of last year tell me that we need to be testing as of this week to protect our Boxing Day fixtures and our New Year fixtures.

“I would advocate testing now. I am sure the EFL, who receive advice from very, very good doctors, would be having similar thoughts to mine.

“The playing field has changed. We have a new variant; vaccination status isn’t guaranteed. In order for us to fulfil our fixtures then illness surveillance above and beyond the symptom checker, as in routine daily lateral flow or twice-weekly lateral flows… is essential.”

Last year saw eight games in the EFL postponed on Boxing Day but the hope is that there will not be as much disruption this time around, especially with clubs eager to claw back finances after being forced to play in empty stadiums for 18 months.

QPR boss Mark Warburton spoke about the “difficult” situation at his club following the outbreak.

He told talkSPORT : “It’s difficult to be fair. We had our round of testing and were preparing for our trip to Sheffield. We had four people come down positive with Covid and we’ve had two more overnight displaying symptoms.

“We have some unvaccinated players who have come into close contact as well. I’ve now got 10 isolating. That’s a very difficult situation.

“As a group, we agonised over the decision [to call off Sheffield United game]. We had to do the right thing.

“You’ve got players who are deeply frustrated and confused by the situation, but you’ve got to observe the government’s guidelines.

“Football has its obligation to do what it can. Hopefully we can lead from the front and set the right example. I’m convinced we’ve made the right decision.”