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      Prem set to introduce two new coronavirus protocols including automatic game suspension if training ground is shut down

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      PREMIER LEAGUE chiefs hope to end the uncertainty over Covid-19 postponement rules by getting two new protocols agreed by clubs on Wednesday.
      The first shareholders’ club meeting of 2021 will see League bosses push through the regulations after three weeks of criticism.

      Training ground closures could soon lead to automatic game suspensionsCredit: PA:Press Association

      Spurs boss Jose Mourinho and Everton’s Carlo Ancelotti were among the critical managers after matches were called off at short notice.
      Issues were raised as the League’s Board insisted it had dispensation to make the final call even though the Premier League handbook stated that matches had to be played if clubs had 14 or more senior players available.
      But League chief executive Richard Masters is determined to take all reasonable measures to ensure the season is played out to completion.
      And as part of that process, he will confirm the two new protocols as part of the rulebook, to take immediate effect after the virtual meeting of the 20 clubs.

      The first of the new rules will confirm that a Covid outbreak which closes a training ground – which is a directive from Public Health England – will be sufficient grounds for a postponement.
      But clubs will also be given more instructions about the precise information required in order to request a postponement.
      It is hoped that the extra clarity will head off the arguments over inconsistency and ensure clubs and fans alike recognise there is a simple process.
      Despite that, clubs are due to debate and attempt to agree on a threshold for a points per game calculation to be made if the season is curtailed by future Covid outbreaks.

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      Liverpool boast the most-valuable squad in the Premier League

      The next block of TV fixtures are also due to be agreed, with the expectation that all matches through to mid-March will be confirmed as being shown live while fans remain locked out.
      Elsewhere, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp reckons his champions face a ‘tough’ battle just to finish in the top four.
      The German manager thinks talk of retaining the Premier League title can wait until they qualify for the Champions League.
      The Reds boss said: “In the season we came second with 97 points, I only started thinking about winning the title when it was clear that we were in the Champions League.
      “I know my job. I know what I have to do. I have to qualify for the Champions League and I know how difficult that is.
      “That means this season will be a tough race for the top four that is for sure.”

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      Heartbroken ex-Man Utd star Carlos Tevez says his dad has ‘no chance’ due to health complications after Covid-19 battle

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      CARLOS TEVEZ has spoken of his father’s tragic illness and the ‘difficult’ period his family is facing.
      After lifting the Copa Diego Maradona for Boca Juniors on Sunday night, the veteran striker opened up on his personal heartache.

      Carlos Tevez’s father, Raimundo, is struggling in hospitalCredit: EPA

      Tevez’s adopted father, Segundo Raimundo Tevez, beat coronavirus last year but has recently suffered further health problems.
      The Boca star told reporters: “Unfortunately, my old man has no chance.
      “It is a very difficult time for my whole family.
      “I think I have won 29 titles in my career. This is very difficult for me.

      “Unfortunately, my old man has no chance and to be a father, to explain to my daughters about their grandfather, it’s a very difficult situation for everyone.”
      Raimundo, the husband of Carlos’ aunt Adriana, adopted the Argentine after his biological father died before he was born.

      Tevez has opened up on his family’s difficult period of lateCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Last summer, he spent 45 days in intensive care while overcoming coronavirus.
      But Raimundo, who is diabetic, was back in hospital soon after due to a deterioration in his health.

      Tevez spoke at the time of the heavy mental toll it took on him, with the 36-year-old admitting to bursting into tears during games.
      He said in November: “I have different emotions.
      “At times I am well and other times I go and cry during the half-time break. I can’t explain it.
      “These are difficult times. I go and visit my father and then I have to be strong to play football.”
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      Fans of the Buenos Aires club have placed a banner at their La Bombonera stadium in support of the player and his family.
      Tevez helped Boca claim the Copa Diego Maradona by coming off the bench and scoring in a penalty shootout win over Banfield.
      Boca had conceded a last-minute equaliser to take the tie all the way before a 5-3 shootout victory.
      The Copa was a cup competition created to replace Argentina’s Superliga amid the coronavirus pandemic.

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      Premier League announce 16 positive coronavirus cases in latest two rounds of testing in drop of 20 on last week

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      PREMIER LEAGUE bosses believe their Covid-19 clampdown is working after the number of positive tests more than halved last week.
      League agents carried out a record 3,115 tests across the 20 clubs in their two testing rounds.

      Football has continued during this third lockdown despite calls for a breakCredit: Reuters

      But there were only 16 positive test results, down from 36 in the week up to January 10 and 40 the previous week.
      The results are seen as further evidence that the ‘enhanced’ protocol regimes introduced since January 7 are having the desired effect.
      Last week’s first testing round brought 10 positives from 1,826 tests.
      The second round, between Friday and Sunday saw just six positives from 1,289 tests.

      Across the week, just 0.51 per cent of tests returned positive results, down from 1.39 per cent last week and 1.74 per cent between December 28 and January 3.
      League bosses are encouraged by the figures but continue to press all clubs to enforce the new training ground and matchday clampdown rules rigidly.

      That includes goal celebrations although the League feels that the message is starting to get through even if some players did keep on hugging.
      The belief is that by using captains, PFA representatives and managers to spell out the requirement to change actions, Prem players will fall into line.

      Pressure is coming from Government and the FA has already urged clubs not to repeat the dressing room celebrations from the likes of Chorley and Crawley after ties in this weekend’s FA Cup fourth round.

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      Tottenham could be handed SECOND Cup bye of season after Covid outbreak infected Wycombe dressing room

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      SPURS could be handed their SECOND cup walkover of the season – after a Covid outbreak infected the Wycombe dressing room.
      The Buckinghamshire club’s Championship clash with QPR tomorrow was postponed after Wycombe told the EFL they were unable to fulfil the fixture.

      Tottenham could be handed an FA Cup bye after Wycombe’s Covid outbreakCredit: EPA

      That will bring an EFL inquiry into the circumstances, although Wanderers said that a number of positive tests meant players and staff were now self-isolating.
      But with the FA Cup fourth round tie with Tottenham due to be played at Adams Park on Monday January 25, Wycombe may struggle to be able to field a team.
      The Chairboys would have the option of following Aston Villa’s third round example against Liverpool and fielding a youth side to fulfil the fixture.
      If they were unable to field a team, a decision on the tie would be placed in the hands of the FA’s Professional Game Board.

      But unlike with Shrewsbury’s game at Southampton, rearranged for next week with the Saints’ Prem clash at Leeds moved, there is far less wriggle room for FA bosses.
      Spurs are due to play Liverpool on January 28, which would be a possible option.
      But Tottenham already need to catch up two fixtures, this week’s postponed game at Aston Villa and the trip to Fulham, which clashes with the Carabao Cup Final at the end of April.
      Spurs’ European schedule also limit the options.

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      The north Londoners have back to back games against Austrians Wolfsberger next month in the last 32 of the Europa League, with the fifth round looming in the second midweek of February.
      And just as Spurs were handed a Carabao Cup walkover against Leyton Orient in September, Jose Mourinho’s side might be gifted a passage through to the last 16.
      Although FA chiefs will try to find a solution that prevents that worst-case scenario.

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      QPR vs Wycombe SUSPENDED following coronavirus outbreak in visitors’ squad as Covid continues to disrupt football

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      WYCOMBE’S trip to Queens Park Rangers on Saturday has been postponed following a coronavirus outbreak.
      The Wanderers have returned a number of positive test results on the eve of the Championship match.

      Wycombe have confirmed an outbreak of coronavirus cases in their squadCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      And EFL bosses had no choice but to call off the game at Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium.
      On Friday morning, a statement was released announcing the clash had been ‘suspended’.
      Wycombe confirmed: “The Club informed the EFL that they would be unable to fulfil the fixture following recent positive COVID-19 tests and the requirement for players and staff to self-isolate as per EFL and Government guidance in order to mitigate against the risk of further infection.
      “The circumstances surrounding the postponements will now be the subject of an investigation in accordance with EFL Regulations.

      “Revised dates for the rearranged fixture will be confirmed in due course.”
      The game is the second to be called off in the Championship this weekend after Brentford’s trip to Reading was also postponed.

      QPR have already had one game knocked back, with a trip to Luton rearranged for Tuesday night and a 2-0 win secured by new signing Charlie Austin.
      Only 31 EFL clubs returned zero positive test results in last week’s round of testing, which showed 123 cases of the virus.

      League Two leaders Carlisle have seen games against Mansfield, Leyton Orient and Forest Green called off following an outbreak in their camp.
      However, Derby were given the all-clear to return to training on Tuesday after a spate of cases in their squad.
      The Rams were one of a handful of teams to put out a youth side in the FA Cup last weekend, as they lost 2-0 to non-league Chorley.
      Aston Villa also fielded kids against Liverpool amid a series of postponements in their Premier League schedule.

      Games against Tottenham and Everton have been suspended as the pandemic bit hard on Dean Smith’s side.
      Football bosses are demanding increased flexibility from clubs to fit matches in, with Fulham’s postponed match at Tottenham rearranged at short notice in midweek.
      Leeds’ game with Southampton has also been moved around, to allow Saints to play Shrewsbury in the FA Cup after the League One side suffered an outbreak.
      Public Health England announced 1,248 deaths from coronavirus across the UK on Thursday with 48,682 new cases.

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      Premier League clubs to miss out on millions with 2021/22 pre-season tours axed for second summer in row due to Covid

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      PREMIER LEAGUE sides have reportedly accepted that pre-season tours around the world won’t happen this summer due to coronavirus.
      It will be the second summer in a row that the money-spinners are shelved as the pandemic rages on.

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      Manchester United have reportedly shelved plans for a pre-season tourCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      MailOnline reports that ‘tours are already off the agenda’, with there even being concerns around trips within the UK.
      The government is rolling out a huge vaccination programme with it hoped that by mid-July ‘huge numbers of the UK population will be vaccinated’.
      But there are still worries that travel restrictions will remain in place.

      Premier League clubs are set to miss out on millions in merchandise and TV deals from games around the globe.
      And Mailonline adds that they could be hit with ‘penalty payments’ for being unable to honour deals with sponsors.
      Manchester United, Chelsea, Manchester City, Tottenham and Liverpool all had to cancel plans to travel last summer.
      That means fans in India, Asia, the US and South Africa missed out on the chance of seeing their Premier League heroes.

      Meanwhile, in light of the Covid-19 wave sweeping the UK, Premier League stars have been ordered to PRACTISE socially-distanced goal celebrations in training.

      Manchester United fans in Asia won’t get the chance to see their heroes liveCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Chelsea might be able to tour the British Isles at bestCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Chelsea boss Frank Lampard has warned his squad to cut out the hugging.
      And Manchester United ace Paul Pogba says players will ‘find another way to celebrate’ to comply with the strict new Covid rules.
      Club captains and managers had meetings with PL chiefs on Thursday amid alarm over players ignoring social distancing when celebrating goals.
      And the Premier League, FA and EFL have now released a joint statement warning football to ‘set the right example to the public on and off the pitch’ in helping tackle the pandemic.

      Manchester United’s players won’t get the chance to sample different cultures on tours this summerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      James McClean suspended by Stoke over alleged coronavirus rules breach and will miss Blackburn clash

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      STOKE have suspended Republic of Ireland international James McClean over an alleged breach of coronavirus rules.
      The winger will miss Saturday’s Championship clash against Blackburn while the club launch an investigation.

      James McClean will miss Stoke’s game this weekend over an alleged rule breachCredit: Alamy Live News

      A Stoke statement read: “We can confirm James McClean has been suspended with immediate effect pending a disciplinary hearing into an alleged breach of Covid-19 regulations, namely training in a private gym.
      “As a result of the suspension, McClean will not be available for selection for Saturday’s game against Blackburn Rovers.”
      McClean, 31, has been a regular in Stoke’s play-off push this campaign.
      In 21 appearances, he has contributed two goals and two assists.

      The Potters travel to Ewood Park on Saturday knowing a win could take them into the top six.
      McClean’s absence may be less keenly felt given Stoke’s recent additions to their flanks.

      Schalke youngster Rabbi Matondo and Tottenham’s Jack Clarke have both arrived on loan this month.
      Clarke is set to make his debut at Blackburn after Matondo came off the bench in the 4-0 FA Cup defeat to Leicester.

      Welsh left-back Rhys Norrington-Davies has also arrived from Sheffield United having spent the first half of the campaign at Luton.

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      Premier League stars ordered to PRACTISE socially-distanced goal celebrations amid coronavirus pandemic

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      PREMIER LEAGUE stars have been ordered to PRACTISE socially-distanced goal celebrations in training.
      Chelsea boss Frank Lampard will today warn his squad to cut out the hugging.

      Clubs have been asked to ensure players practise socially-distanced celebrations Credit: AP:Associated Press

      And Manchester United ace Paul Pogba says players will ‘find another way to celebrate’ to comply with the strict new Covid rules.
      Club captains and managers had meetings with PL chiefs on Thursday amid alarm over players ignoring social distancing when celebrating goals.
      And the Premier League, FA and EFL have now released a joint statement warning football to ‘set the right example to the public on and off the pitch’ in helping tackle the pandemic.
      West Brom boss Sam Allardyce wants MPs to stay out of football and focus instead on rolling out life-saving vaccines.

      But in the ‘hugging summit’ meetings, clubs were told to toe the line – or risk the Government locking down football.
      Premier League chiefs urged stars to come up with socially-distanced celebrations.
      It was even suggested players spend time on the training ground working out ‘safe’ routines.
      Some players are understood to be uncomfortable with the instructions.

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      Players are being urged to keep their distance while celebrating on the pitchCredit: AFP

      And one skipper asked: “What’s the difference between hugging in a goal celebration and marking tightly at a corner?”
      Lampard will hammer home the message ahead of tomorrow’s Fulham trip after Blues’ academy was shut due to an outbreak.
      He said: “It’s something I will pass on. We practise social distancing at the training ground.
      “On the pitch it can be difficult, because you have to get close to each other.
      “These protocols have been hardened – and I understand why because there’s a surge of Covid.
      “But when you are playing there’s a lot of instinct involved.
      “They are good lads, they don’t want to do the wrong thing. They are doing their job through this tough time.”

      Players will be told to practise celebrating safely during gamesCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston warned on Twitter: “Footballers are no exception to social distancing requirements”.
      And Pogba told Sky Sports: “We’ll find another way to celebrate and be happy.
      “We have to respect these rules for the safety of everyone.”
      Premier League chief exec Richard Masters, Wembley’s Mark Bullingham and EFL counterpart Trevor Birch stressed: “Safety is a collective effort.
      “The game has a responsibility and it is down to everyone to follow Government rules and our Covid-19 protocols.”
      But Allardyce blasted: “We don’t need any more Government interference.
      “They’ve got enough on their plate rolling out the vaccine and getting everyone safe.
      “The Government should instead look at people who are still partying while this virus is spreading like wildfire.”

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