Premier League players, matchday staff and fans will need to have received two doses of the Covid-19 vaccine from 1 October in order to be eligible for involvement in matches.
The news comes after the UK Government’s announcement that fans would be required to demonstrate an NHS Covid-19 pass, showing their vaccination status, to attend fixtures from the start of October.
The Athletic report that the declaration of compulsory vaccination comes as part of the Government’s intention to allow the football season to continue, even in the event of another possible winter lockdown.
At this moment in time, the use of such Covid-19 passes is solely advised by the Government “in facilities or events where people are likely to be in close proximity to a large number of people from other households for a sustained period of time”.
However, vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi has claimed that they will soon become necessary and that a negative test result would no longer be deemed sufficient proof that someone isn’t infected by the virus.
This leaves Premier League clubs hurrying to ensure that all staff at the club are fully vaccinated by the start of October, which is now just over two months away. Furthermore, the 2021/22 campaign is set to start in just three weeks’ time, with the return of full attendances to stadia for the first time since March of last year.
Despite the logistical minefield this announcement presents to clubs, it is said that Premier League clubs are fully on board with the government’s strategy to have all players, staff, and fans fully vaccinated – as they believe that having a Covid-19 pass will help all involved to steer clear of spreading the virus and causing further disruption.
Supporters, on the other hand, may not be so pleased with the news. Covid-19 ‘passports’ have been a bone of contention for many across the country. But any fixture likely to attract crowds over 10,000 must comply as it stands, affecting all top flight games, the majority of Championship fixtures and some League One and League Two clashes.