EPL: Premier League clubs confirm decision on cancelling festive fixtures

The Premier League has decided not to postpone a full round of fixtures amid COVID-19 outbreaks at several clubs.

Six of last weekend’s 10 fixtures were postponed on Thursday.

But the league, on Monday, maintained matches would continue “where safely possible”.

After a Premier League shareholders’ meeting, the league has decided to continue as planned with the schedule, where possible.

Some clubs felt they should carry on playing where possible because there is no guarantee the situation will improve if they stop. Others felt the integrity of the competition is being threatened and believed the next round of games should have been called off.

Most Premier League clubs are due to play three times between Boxing Day and January 2. And despite the decision to continue as planned, there are fears more games will be postponed because of rising Covid cases.

There would then be an increased workload on players who are available to play in games that go ahead. This is amid fears the league will soon have to go back to playing games without fans.

Premier League managers and captains are also due to hold separate meetings.