ionigeria.com Nigerian Newspaper
77% of Premier League players have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19 but 16% not jabbed at all, with nine matches having been postponed as the Omicron variant spreads across the UK
The Premier League have confirmed that 77% of its players are fully vaccinated against Covid-19.
In a statement confirming that the season will continue over the festive period amid calls for a firebreak, top-flight bosses also confirmed that 16% of players have not been jabbed at all, with the remainder having at least one at this stage.
A total of nine Premier League matches have been postponed as outbreaks have ravaged the division over the past week.
The league added that player vaccination rates “will now be publicly communicated at the end of each month, beginning in January.”
Managers such as Jurgen Klopp have urged their squad and staff to receive their booster vaccinations, but it is unknown how many players have been jabbed twice and had a booster as the Omicron variant of coronavirus rapidly spreads across the UK.
Klopp has urged players to get vaccinated
The Premier League statement read: “It was confirmed at a Premier League club meeting today that while recognising a number of clubs are experiencing COVID-19 outbreaks and challenges, it is the League’s collective intention to continue the current fixture schedule where safely possible.
“The health and wellbeing of all concerned remains our priority and the League will continue to monitor and reflect public health guidance, always proceeding with caution.
“A range of issues were discussed at this afternoon’s meeting, including the adaption of the Premier League COVID-19 postponement process in response to the impact of the Omicron variant.
“The League also confirmed to its clubs today that 92 per cent of players and club staff have received one, two or three COVID-19 vaccination doses, with 84 per cent of players on the vaccination journey.
“A range of issues were discussed at this afternoon’s meeting, including the adaption of the Premier League COVID-19 postponement process in response to the impact of the Omicron variant.
“The League also confirmed to its clubs today that 92 per cent of players and club staff have received one, two or three COVID-19 vaccination doses, with 84 per cent of players on the vaccination journey.
“Players who have had one or two doses are required to wait for the appropriate time period before receiving either their second or booster vaccinations.
“The League continues to work with clubs to encourage vaccination among players and club staff, as well as promoting the Government’s public-health vaccination messaging to clubs and the wider public.
“No specific details as to clubs or individuals will be provided by the League, and player vaccination rates will now be publicly communicated at the end of each month, beginning in January.”
Meanwhile, the English Football League will also carry on as normal over Christmas and the FA have confirmed that replays in the Third and Fourth rounds of the FA Cup will be scrapped, helping to lessen mounting fixture congestion in 2022.
