The Premier League will implement new postponement rules for the 2022/23 season with ‘truly exceptional’ circumstances now being required for games to be called off.
The English top flight was inundated with coronavirus-enforced cancellations last term, with 21 matches being rearranged in total.
Last season teams were able to apply for postponements if they could not field 13 outfield players and a goalkeeper, but these rules were far from clear.
As the season progressed there was controversy as the Premier League began to consider non-coronavirus-enforced absences when deciding whether matches went ahead. The decision to cancel January’s North London Derby was subject to particularly pointed criticism.
However, the Premier League have attempted to prevent similar issues like this cropping up next season by tweaking the postponement rules.
“Ahead of Season 2022-23, the Premier League Board has revised its guidance for match postponements relating to insufficient players.
“This will replace the previous COVID-19 match postponement guidance, providing a standard process for applications.
“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.”
