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      Could FA Cup matches be postponed this weekend due to Covid-19 outbreaks, and will unaffected teams receive a bye?

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      THE FA Cup third round is about to begin but there are concerns over the futures of teams in the competition if they’re stuck down by Covid.
      Derby announced earlier this week that they’ve had to close their training ground because of an outbreak, thus putting their clash with Chorley at risk.

      The FA Cup gets underway on Friday, January 8Credit: PA:Press Association
      Could matches be postponed because of Covid?

      At present, it’s unclear on what the FA will decide to do if a team cannot compete because of a Covid outbreak.
      The FA are likely to deal with any cases individually, and decide the best course of action.
      Team personnel will and have been tested 72 hours before their ties.

      At present, Derby’s clash with Chorley is at risk.

      “Staff members and players were tested on Monday and have subsequently returned a number of positive results,” a Derby statement read.
      “The names of those individuals will not be made public for medical confidentiality reasons, but they and their close contacts must now serve a period of isolation at home in line with UK Government guidelines.

      Arsenal won last season’s FA Cup with a win over ChelseaCredit: EPA
      “In accordance with Derby County and EFL COVID-19 protocol, the club’s Moor Farm training ground has been closed with immediate effect.
      “In addition, the club is in dialogue with the EFL and Football Association in relation to upcoming fixtures.”

      If any teams feels they’re unable to field a team, they can apply for an FA review.

      Derby County have been struck down with a Covid outbreak in the squadCredit: PA:Press Association
      It’s customary, though, that a side who has 14 fit and available players, go ahead with the game.
      The FA will make their decision based off of a number of factors, including whether that particular team followed guidelines correctly, and just how badly affected the squad is.
      The FA have yet to make any announcements on the appropriate course of action.
      Will unaffected teams receive a bye?
      Earlier this season, the EFL decided that Tottenham would receive a bye into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup after positive test results in their opponents Leyton Orient’s squad.

      Marine take on Tottenham in their third round clash on Sunday Credit: PA
      But it’s still unclear on what the FA will do.
      Any decision made will depend on the particular circumstances surrounding any potential outbreaks within a squad.
      FA Cup games CALLED OFF
      Southampton vs Shrewsbury (outbreak in Shrewsbury squad) More

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      FA Cup to hold first ever ‘double draw’ on Monday amid coronavirus causing chaos and Shrewsbury set to be KICKED OUT

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      WEMBLEY chiefs fear a Covid crisis could undermine the credibility of the FA Cup.
      Competition bosses are on standby to impose a series of walkovers eliminating teams who cannot fulfil their fixtures, with League One Shrewsbury set to be the first to suffer.

      The FA will hold the first-ever ‘double draw’ on MondayCredit: Getty – Contributor

      And as a signal of the limits they are facing, the FA will hold the first-ever “double draw” for the fourth and fifth rounds on Monday.
      Shrewsbury appear certain to be withdrawn from the third round stage after announcing “several members of the squad and first team staff have tested positive for Covid-19”.
      Wayne Rooney’s Derby, meanwhile, will field a mix of under-23 and youth team players for their tie with non-League Chorley, with no first team squad members involved.
      But with the FA nervously awaiting the results of Covid tests over the coming 24 hours, the danger of a slew of games being abandoned and clubs booted out is a real one.

      Shrewsbury’s misfortune means Southampton are now set for the first walkover into round four.
      The FA is paying for this week’s round of tests at the 44 clubs in action from outside the Prem, with all teams told they have a 72-hour sample deadline ahead of their ties.
      A final decision on walkovers will be made by the FA’s Professional Game Board, with all calls determined on a “case by case basis”.
      But with the FA conceding there is no wriggle room in the congested fixture calendar, and the fourth round scheduled for a fortnight’s time, teams that cannot play will be eliminated, although they will keep their prize money.

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      Shrewsbury’s clash with Southampton looks certain to be postponedCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      FA Cup clashes in doubt

      Southampton v Shrewsbury – Sat 9 Jan IN DOUBT
      Exeter v Sheffield Wednesday – Sat 9 Jan IN DOUBT
      Chorley v Derby – Sat 9 Jan – Rams set to play youth side
      Bristol City v Portsmouth – Sun 10 Jan IN DOUBT

      That timeline explains the ripping up of tradition and the staging of two draw rounds back to back, during BT Sport coverage of West Ham’s game with Stockport on Monday night.
      With only two and half weeks between the fourth and fith rounds – which will be played midweek – the FA believe it will make preparations easier.
      The news came as the EFL announced the PFA would fund a new twice-weekly testing regime across its three divisions.
      EFL chiefs explained: “Given the emergence of a new strain of the Covid virus, it is acknowledged that additional testing where it is not currently happening may help with the early identification and isolation of asymptomatic individuals.”
      New EFL chairman Trevor Birch added: “We have repeatedly maintained that adhering to the stringent protocols was going to be our best chance of beating the virus and to keep playing matches.
      “It is now clear that additional testing, operated in conjunction with strict protocols, may prove beneficial in the immediate short-term.”
      PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor said: “We believe that this comprehensive and expansive approach to testing will help support clubs and be an important factor in maintaining fixtures and ensuring that football can continue during this challenging period.”

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      FA Cup chaos as Wayne Rooney’s Derby and Shrewsbury face being KICKED OUT due to severe coronavirus outbreaks

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      THE FA Cup has been plunged into further chaos with Derby AND Shrewsbury at risk of being kicked out of the competition due to severe coronavirus outbreaks.
      The Rams are due to play their third-round tie with National League North Chorley on Saturday, with Shrewsbury visiting Southampton in the evening kick-off.

      Wayne Rooney’s Derby County could be kicked out of the FA CupCredit: Rex Features

      Derby have been forced to close their Moor Farm training ground after several first-team players and staff tested positive.
      And Wayne Rooney’s side could hand a bye to Chorley in the FA Cup, with Saints also given a free pass to the fourth-round.
      Dates for the fourth round cannot be changed and both Derby and Shrewsbury could struggle to play their respective games before January 23. 
      However, The Telegraph claim the match could go ahead with the Rams fielding a team of youngsters, with all of the first-team missing the tie.

      A Derby statement read: “Staff and players were tested on Monday and returned a number of positive results.
      “The club is in dialogue with the EFL and FA over upcoming fixtures.”
      Meanwhile, Shrewsbury were also hit by a spate of positive coronavirus tests.
      A club statement read: “Shrewsbury Town Football Club can confirm several members of the Town squad and first team staff have tested positive for Covid-19.

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      FA CUP TIES UNDER THREAT

      The below matches could all possibly be called off after Covid outbreaks:

      QPR vs Fulham
      Chorley vs Derby
      Exeter City vs Sheffield Wednesday

      “In accordance with EFL and Government guidelines, all concerned individuals will now enter into a period of self-isolation.
      “The health and safety of all staff members at Shrewsbury Town Football Club remains paramount and the Club continually takes all necessary steps to protect all where possible. 
      “The Club have informed Shropshire Public Health, EFL, and the FA of the current situation and we will continue discussions with the relevant football authorities.
      “The Club will be making no further comment at this time and ask that each individual involved has their privacy respected. Necessary updates will be provided in due course.”
      Both clubs refused to reveal the names of those who had tested positive, due to medical confidentiality.
      They also added that those individuals are now isolating in line with government guidelines.
      This outbreak comes after fellow Championship strugglers Sheffield Wednesday closed their Middlewood Road training ground.
      The Rams were beaten 1-0 by Wednesday in their most recent match on New Year’s Day at Hillsborough.
      Derby are currently third from bottom in the Championship.
      They are due to host Rotherham in the league on Saturday 16 January.
      Shrewsbury also play on January 16, set to face Lincoln in their League One clash.

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      Football aces slam coin flip proposal for Women’s FA Cup after lockdown causes competition’s suspension

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      PLAYERS in the women’s game have hit out at suggestions of FA Cup rounds being decided by a coin toss or officials drawing lots. 
      The Telegraph revealed the bizarre ideas are being mulled over by football authorities as possible options for the second and third rounds of the contest. 

      A coin toss is reportedly being considered as an option for deciding second and third round outcomes of the Women’s FA Cup

      It has been reported clubs involved in these two stages could find themselves dropped from this season’s competition altogether, with both rounds falling into the Government’s ‘non-elite’ sports category.
      Clubs from the WSL and the Women’s Championship – the game’s top two tiers – are due to enter the contest in the third and fourth rounds. 
      And the idea of a coin flip being used to conclude the contest’s previous two stages has been derided by players on social media. 
      Portsmouth’s Hannah Haughton described the suggestion as ‘shocking’ whilst Pompey midfielder Jade Bradley urged the competition’s bigwigs to ‘sort it out’. 

      On her Twitter account, Bradley wrote: “This isn’t a choice of ends – it’s a decision on players development, careers, physical well-being, mental well-being and more importantly the direction in which women’s football is heading. right now it’s embarrassing. Sort it out.” 

      And Bradley’s team-mate Danielle Rowe, 24, was equally unimpressed and wondered what would happen if a coin toss was used to decide an FA Cup clash involving Harry Kane.
      Discussions were held between FA officials on Tuesday to work out ways to move forward with the Cup. 

      FA officials are keen to avoid delays to Women’s FA Cup matches this seasonCredit: PA:Press Association
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      However a decision is not expected to be made until later this week. 
      It is thought officials are eager to avoid pauses to the competition rather than wait for Covid-19 restrictions to be eased because of Team GB’s pre-Olympic training camp in June. 
      The final of the Women’s FA Cup is due to be played at Wembley on May 22.

      Women’s FA Cup Dates

      Second round: Sunday 3 January 2021 (17 fixtures postponed)
      Third round: Sunday 17 January 2021
      Fourth round: Sunday 31 January 2021
      Fifth round: Sunday 28 February 2021
      Quarter-final: Sunday 21 March 2021
      Semi-final: Sunday 18 April 2021
      Final: Saturday 22 May 2021

      Lionesses in training More

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      Arsenal keeper Arthur Okonkwo, 19, promoted to first-team training as Gunners prepare for FA Cup clash vs Newcastle

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      YOUNG Arsenal stopper Arthur Okonkwo has been promoted to first-team training ahead of their FA Cup clash with Newcastle.
      Boss Mikel Arteta is expected to ring the changes against Steve Bruce’s men for Saturday’s clash.

      Arthur Okonkwo has trained with the Arsenal first teamCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      And it could mean a first appearance for the 19-year-old keeper.
      Icelandic keeper Alex Runarsson is currently Arsenal’s second choice between the sticks but he has failed to impress in his five matches this season.
      The 25-year-old made a howler in his last outing when Riyad Mahrez’s free-kick slipped through his hands in the 4-1 EFL Cup defeat to Manchester City.
      Runarsson’s distribution has also been called into question with Arteta eager to maintain his possession-based style.

      Okonkwo, who has played for Arsenal’s Under-23 side, missed a year of action following health issues.
      But he returned to the field in June and is hoping to get his first taste of action with the senior squad.
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      The young stopper joined the Arsenal academy aged 7Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Okonkwo joined Arsenal as a seven-year-old and has risen through the age groups having also played for England’s youth sides.

      Standing at 6ft 4in, he is known to be comfortable in his distribution and boasts the qualities Arteta likes to see in a goalkeeper.
      Meanwhile Arsenal keeper Matt Macey, 26, is set to join Hibernian on a permanent deal.

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      Teams who cannot play FA Cup ties due to Covid set to be THROWN OUT of competition due to packed fixtures schedule

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      TEAMS who cannot play their FA Cup ties because of a Covid-19 outbreak are almost certain to be thrown out of the competition.
      The third round is due to be played this week amid a swathe of infections forcing matches across the English game to be called off.

      Teams who can’t play their FA Cup ties due to Covid could be thrown out of the competitionCredit: PA:Press Association

      But with hardly any room left in the fixture programme, anyone who is unable to play their tie is likely to see their opponents handed a bye into the next round.
      The FA have ordered all sides to undergo testing 72 hours before kick-off.
      They will foot the bill, too, to ensure lower league and non-league sides can take part.
      FA rules are not set in stone as to what would happen if a club cannot fulfil a fixture, unlike in the first three rounds of the Carabao Cup which saw Leyton Orient forfeit their game against Tottenham.

      But FA Cup bosses have made it clear to all 64 sides in round three that they can appeal to the Professional Game Board for a postponement if they are hit by an infection.
      Yet they’ve also been told they’re likely to suffer the ultimate sanction.
      Five games across the Premier League and EFL fell victim to coronavirus cancellations last weekend.
      It’s widely expected other teams will be hit in the coming days.

      Arsenal won last season’s FA Cup after coronavirus caused a three-month delayCredit: PA:Press Association

      Urgent talks will be held between the FA and relevant leagues in the event of a forced postponement, in a bid to find a free date to reschedule a tie.
      But the fourth round cannot be shifted, and with league games being played in between there is little scope to squeeze in a new date.
      Chelsea, for example, only have five days between their third-round game with Morecambe and the Premier League clash with Fulham.
      They then take on Leicester the following Tuesday, before the scheduled fourth round on the weekend of January 23.
      It is virtually impossible to find a date in that period when a new game can be played.
      So if the Blues were the ones who were unable to play, in that case Morecambe would be handed a bye into the fourth round.

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      FA tells clubs third-round ties MUST be completed even if they are down to 14 players amid coronavirus hell

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      THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION has instructed clubs they must play their FA Cup third-round ties next week – even if they only have 14 Covid-free players available.
      There have been growing concerns within the FA that the competition could be thrown into chaos if a number of fixtures are postponed.

      The FA has told clubs they must fulfil their third-round ties

      Clubs were informed of the decision via email on Friday as a steep rise in coronavirus cases in the UK threatens the completion of the third round.
      To fit into a truncated 2020-21 season, replays have been removed from this season’s edition of the FA Cup.
      As a result, there is little room in the domestic football calendar to play a third-round tie if clubs are unable to put out a team.
      Premier League clubs were informed at the start of the season they would have to play with a minimum of 14 eligible players, including youngsters with any first-team experience.

      However, recent postponements have caused confusion over the criteria needed for matches to be called off.
      The FA’s competitions officer, Chris Darnell, advised clubs FA Cup fixtures will have to be played in order to ‘mitigate the risk of causing disruption to the wider fixture schedule’.
      Any clubs unable to select 14 Covid-19 negative players must report the issue to the FA, at which point an FA sub-committee will determine whether the matter merits a postponement.
      Fulham’s trip to Burnley was postponed on Saturday after more first-team players tested positive for Covid-19.

      The match became the third postponement in the Premier League this week following Fulham’s previous fixture against Tottenham on Wednesday, and Everton versus Manchester City on Monday.
      Fulham’s players and staff were retested following the cancellation of their clash with Spurs but further cases have resulted in the postponement of Sunday’s match at Turf Moor.
      There are further concerns next week’s tests at Football League clubs – the first widespread testing at that level since November – will unearth a number of positive cases.
      Premier League clubs currently test their players and staff twice a week but there has been no regular testing of EFL players, with clubs instead isolating players and staff who report symptoms.
      The FA has offered clubs financial support for more testing to ensure they are able to reach the minimum requirements of the competition.

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      Seventeen Women’s FA Cup second round games AXED due to Covid-19 restrictions

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      ALL but one of the 18 Women’s FA Cup ties scheduled for this weekend have been CANCELLED due to coronavirus restrictions. 
      Liverpool Feds’ clash with Huddersfield Town is the only second round match going ahead with much of the nation now under Tier 4 guidelines.

      Seventeen second round Women’s FA Cup games have been AXED due to Covid-19 restrictions

      Football chiefs are expecting to reschedule fixtures at a later date along with a first round encounter between Kent United and Enfield Town which is yet to be played. 
      And officials say they are liaising with the government on managing health and safety of players and club staff at cup fixtures.
      Women’s Super League and Championship sides will enter the competition’s draw from the fourth round onwards.
      In a statement, the FA said: “The Government announced further COVID-19 regulations across the UK, with the majority of the country now under Tier 4 restrictions. 

      “As a result, all but one of this weekend’s Vitality Women’s FA Cup second round ties will be postponed and rearranged for a later date.
      “We are working with the Government to find a way to reschedule these Vitality Women’s FA Cup matches at the earliest opportunity while ensuring that we maintain our priority of keeping our players, officials and everyone involved on a matchday safe.
      “Further details will be confirmed in due course.”
      The Covid-19 pandemic has cast a shadow over the women’s game for much of this year.  

      Liverpool Feds’ match with Huddersfield is the only second round Women’s FA Cup going aheadCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      In addition to curtailing last season, a spate of positive coronavirus results led to the cancellation of two top-flight games in the weekend before Christmas.  
      And this month 32 Covid-19 tests returned positive out of 864 conducted in the WSL and Women’s Championship. 
      This is the highest number of coronavirus cases announced since weekly testing in the women’s top tiers began.

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