Football NewsPremier League to “Reward” Clubs with Highest No. of Vaccinated Players
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The English Premier League has written to clubs informing them of plans to ‘reward’ teams who have the highest numbers of vaccinated players.

In a briefing note sent to clubs last week, the Premier League are stepping up their efforts to ensure more players are fully vaccinated due to fears over a slow uptake.

The note read, “according to the data we have, only seven clubs’ squads are more than 50 percent fully vaccinated, so we have a way to go”.

“We are considering if and how best we can ‘reward’ those squads/players who are most Covid-compliant and who have opted to be vaccinated”.

“It is increasingly clear that full vaccination will be the key criteria for Government and health authorities, in terms of international travel and potential Covid certification at large scale events”.

“An updated ’emergency measures’ and matchday operations plan, which is due to be circulated to clubs this week, will include proposals that could see relaxed Covid guidelines on a club-by-club basis depending on vaccination levels”.

Also, the note confirms that the current training and matchday protocols will remain in place until at least December 31, 2021. Vaccination levels will be used as a barometer for the possibility of adapting the guidelines.

N’Golo Kante is the latest player to have been tested positive for Coronavirus. And, speaking in light of Kante’s positive test, Thomas Tuchel said he cannot and will not force his players to take the jab.

“The players are adults and have free choice whether they want to get vaccinated or not”. Said the German. ‘We should accept it. This is more or less everything I can say”.

“I know the situation is far from over and every time somebody gets it here from us and our crew, that makes us all the more aware it’s not over. I hope that it gets as less as possible but I clearly don’t have a solution”.