A quarter of players in the Championship, League One and League Two currently have no intention of getting vaccinated, despite the surge in Covid cases that continues to wreak havoc with the fixture list.
The EFL say that 59 per cent of players have been double vaccinated, with a further 16 per cent planning to be, but the alarming statistics regarding the number so far reluctant to get jabbed come as enhanced Covid protocols are re-imposed at all 72 clubs.
Training ground restrictions will include social distancing measures outside of contact sessions, as well as limits on the use of some indoor facilities. All clubs will be expected to undertake lateral flow tests on a daily basis, with positive tests to be confirmed by follow-up PCRs.
The EFL have also confirmed the criteria for postponing fixtures, with teams required to play so long as they have 14 available first-team players, including a goalkeeper, the same threshold used in Uefa competition.
The statement said: “This guidance has been designed to help Clubs ensure the safety of players and staff, while ensuring that the fixture schedule can be maintained wherever possible. Where any Club states it cannot fulfil a fixture, a report shall be filed with the EFL, and the circumstances reviewed.
“On vaccination, the EFL is encouraging all eligible players and staff to get fully vaccinated and a booster jab to help protect colleagues and minimise the risk of fixtures being postponed. The EFL will also be supporting the Government’s ‘Get Boosted Now’ campaign over the coming weeks.”
