English Football League (EFL) have announced that they will be introducing twice weekly Coronavirus testing for all 72 member clubs from next week.
The increased compulsory testing has been agreed in conjunction with the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) and follows this week’s mandatory round of testing, which will complement recently enhanced Coronavirus protocols for both matchday and non-matchdays.
Tests have been obtained from the private sector and will be fully funded by the PFA following discussions between both parties, with PFA Chief Executive, Gordon Taylor, saying; “We believe that this comprehensive and expansive approach to testing will help support clubs and be an important factor in maintaining fixtures and ensuring that football can continue during this challenging period.”
EFL Chief Executive, Trevor Birch iterated that “adhering to the stringent protocols” set during Project Restart across summer was important to keep matches on schedule. whilst stating that the new strain plus advice from medical advisors and public health officials meant that addition testing ‘may prove beneficial in the immediate short-term.’
Birch also praised the PFA for their support in finalising a stance on testing across Sky Bet Championship, League One and Two on a two tests per week basis, although the situation will be constantly reviewed with changes made as circumstances dictate if in interests of players and staff across EFL Clubs.
EFL also sought medical advice who advised that these latest protocols are the ‘most successful route’ to limiting the spread of infection, despite a new strain of the virus emerging with additional testing seeking to identify and isolate asymptomatic individuals earlier.
Dr. Richard Higgins and Dr.Subhashis Basu who advised the EFL released a joint statement in which they spoke of the need for swift alternations if deemed appropriate saying; “The emergence of a new variant of COVID-19 and the current speed at which the virus is spreading means we are going to have to be prepared to review and implement new practices to ensure we have appropriate measures in place at any given time.”
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