EXCLUSIVE Prem FINALLY change Covid rules to call games off

PREMIER League clubs will now have to show proof of four positive tests in their squads in order to have a fixture postponed, following a Covid summit today.

Sportsmail revealed on Monday that the top flight was considering a significant shift in the cancellation criteria brought in to deal with the pandemic.

A move away from 'available players' to 'active Covid cases' will come in from the next round of fixtures, following input from Public Health England, it can be disclosed.

No objections to the shift were made at the meeting and the new criteria will apply when clubs return to action next month.

Previously, sides who wanted a match called off had to show they did not have 13 available players plus a goalkeeper, with injuries and absence on international duty taken into account. That led to 22 postponements and acrimony between clubs, which intensified after it emerged Arsenal managed to get the north London derby postponed despite having only one confirmed positive case.

Mandatory Covid pass checks on fans at stadia are also being removed.

Now, the minimum threshold to request a match being called off is proof of four positive tests within their playing squad.

Under the new guidance, four Covid cases would not trigger an automatic cancellation.

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters, stung by criticism and the outbreak of hostility among top-flight sides, was moved to take action. He called around clubs and managed to lobby significant support, with as many as 18 voicing their backing.

Rather than a rule change, the shift will take the form of guidance, amid a threat of legal action should the league be seen to be moving the goalposts midway through the season. As such, no vote was necessary.

As reported by