The Premier League on Tuesday had confirmed six Covid-19 positive cases among club players and staff. This may derail the of the plans to resume the top flight professional club football in England.
The Premier League in a statement has revealed that 748 players and club staff were tested for Covid-19 infection on Sunday and Monday last. Of these six have tested positive.
The league, however, declined to provide specific information on confirmed cases. “No specific details as to clubs or individuals will be provided by the Premier League due to legal and operational requirements,” read the Premier League statement. “The Premier League is providing this aggregated information for the purposes of competition integrity and transparency,”
The infected players and staff have now been kept in quarantine for seven days.
Meanwhile, Watford Football Club has confirmed that two of its staff and one player are among the seven cases, which have been tested positive for novel coronavirus.
Burnley too has reported that the club’s assistance coach Ian Woan was tested for the Covid-19 infection by the Premier League on Sunday. His report is positive for the virus infection.
“In line with strict Premier League requirements and following a positive test, Ian will now self-isolate for a period of seven days, with a view to being tested again week commencing Monday, May 25,” read a Burnley’s statement.
“Ian is asymptomatic and is currently safe and well at home. He will remain in close communication with club personnel regarding his re-engagement in training once he is clear of the virus,” it added.
Premier League has allowed its clubs to restart training in small groups with the players avoiding direct contact with each other.
It was earlier, that Premier League might resume action as early as on June 1 to complete the remaining 92 matches. Though the Covid-19 pandemic threat still persists, the Government in the UK has announced that the sports may resume in empty stadiums behind closed doors from June 1.
Also read: Premier League likely to return from June 1