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20th December 2021
04:35pm GMT

At the meeting, clubs were also informed that the FA have agreed to scrap replays for FA Cup rounds three and four.
Current league rules - specifically Appendix 17 of the Premier League's handbook - state that clubs will be expected to play if they have 14 players or more available.
Clubs are expected to use all players for selection, including U21s and those who have experience of playing in the Premier League or the EFL, and that no postponements would be permitted where 13 outfield players and one goalkeeper from the squad list are available.
Medical opinion and advice will be considered when deciding whether to call a match off due to an outbreak, where it will then be decided if it is uncontrollable and could quickly spread to other players and staff. https://twitter.com/HarrySymeou/status/1472950893251334148 After much confusion around the exact details on Covid postponements, the rules and details were outlined at the meeting on Monday. Those present on the call were also told that should they deem a player unavailable due to injury, the league’s chief medical officer could investigate the situation. Should less than 14 players be available, an 'appropriately experienced under 21' player will be classed as any under 21 player who has 'started a first-team match in the current or preceding season for their current club, previous EFL club or any overseas club in first-team competition'. https://twitter.com/premierleague/status/1472979098381299715 In regard to the use of an under 21 goalkeeper, the shot-stopper will need to have been named on the team sheet for five or more matches in the preceding 12 months. Premier League clubs were also told that the board will not consider what they have deemed 'subjective factors' - for example, the quality or experience of unavailable players in comparison to the opposition's available players. Away games were another aspect discussed on the meeting, with visiting sides having to take as many available players to a game as possible, with Premier League matches taking priority over other, non-first team competitions. If an Under 21 player has played in another such competition, they will still be deemed available for selection.Explore more on these topics: