Premier League planning tighter rules to curb match postponements as many fear top-flight’s integrity is at risk

The Premier League is planning to impose tighter rules around match postponements in order to curb the slew of games being called off.

There have been 21 postponements under the Covid-19 protocols to date and there is growing anger between clubs and managers who are accusing their counterparts of gaming the system when they are unable to field their strongest XIs. Many believe the integrity of the top-flight is at risk.

At present, the Premier League - who amended the rules in light of the Omicron variant and have also rejected a number of postponement requests - take injuries and players away on international duty into account, but that is set to change.

Discussions are being held that could see the introduction of a rule stating that clubs must have at least five positive Covid cases in order to get a game rearranged and cannot count those injured or on international duty among their unavailable players.

The new protocols are likely to be in place ahead of the round of fixtures starting on February 8.

Case numbers in the Premier League have now declined for three consecutive weeks, with the most recent number of positive tests returned - 33 - being the lowest since the week ending December 5.

With case rates on the decline, the Premier League are moving to crack down and prevent more games being called off.

A Premier League spokesman said: “The Premier League is consulting with our clubs regarding Covid-19 postponement rules and guidance in light of the changing national picture and the falling number of cases within our squads."