Exclusive: Premier League clubs discuss two-week break in season amid Covid chaos fears

[ASFN Admin]

Premier League clubs have discussed a two-week “cooling-off” break in the season next month over fears of Covid-19 outbreaks causing chaos. Top-flight chairmen have held informal talks after an outbreak in Manchester City's squad caused their game with Everton to be called off on Monday night, with fears more will follow. Sheffield United announced their game with Burnley on Tuesday would take place despite the club recording 'numerous positives', while Southampton manager Ralph Hassenhuttl will miss his side's match with West Ham after a member of his household tested positive. Some view a mid-season postponement of games as inevitable as the new variant of the virus spreads across the UK and numbers of infections increase. It is thought the Government’s review of tiered restrictions, scheduled for Wednesday, will guide further discussions. Concerns over the season continuing its current schedule have been raised as: Fears increased that the FA Cup Third Round will be hit by multiple postponements when all clubs are tested next week Premier League coronavirus testing found 18 people with the virus, the highest figure in a single round since testing began in August A Football League club doctor insisted continuing to play matches with the current infection rate "is not wise". Nine EFL matches were postponed due to outbreaks Manchester City players awaited the results of tests taken on Tuesday morning as the club wait to discover whether their Premier League game with Chelsea on Sunday and next Wednesday's Carabao Cup semi-final against Manchester United will go ahead There are particular fears over the FA Cup Third Round, due to take place the weekend after next, with many lower-league clubs already forced to postpone games.

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