Premier League tightens up postponement rules after Arsenal controversy

Premier League bosses have clamped down on postponements for next season and games will only get called off in "truly exceptional" cases.

They have issued the new guidance ahead of announcing the fixtures for the 2022/23 season and are anxious to avoid a repeat of the rows involving Covid last season.

Arsenal came under huge criticism for being allowed to postpone the North London derby at Tottenham in January even though they only had one positive case in the squad. That led to a full review of the Covid procedures and a tightening up of rules but now they have gone even further with new updated guidance being sent out to clubs.

Clubs will only be allowed to apply for a postponement if they have fewer than ten available outfield players and one keeper from their recognised squad list or fewer than 15 players and one keeper who are contracted to them.

Previous guidance drawn up last season due to issues amid the Covid-19 pandemic referred to a watermark of 13 outfield players and one keeper in one general category.

A statement read: "Club requests to the Premier League board will continue to be considered on their facts and assessed on a case-by-case basis.

"Approval will only be granted where the impact of player unavailability on a club's squad is truly exceptional and where the club concerned has taken all reasonable steps to avoid the necessity to make the application.

"The detail within all applications will continue to be scrutinised by the league's specialist staff before the board makes its decision.

"The league's postponement rules and guidance are designed to protect the wellbeing of players and staff, while maintaining the sporting integrity of the competition and the quality of squads playing league matches."