'Many' Premier League Players Refusing To Get Covid 19 Vaccine

Premier League and EFL clubs are worried that players refusing to get the Covid-19 vaccine could disrupt the start of the season.

The EFL season is set to kick off on Friday, when Bournemouth host recently relegated West Brom in the Championship, and the Premier League starts a week later.

However, with just days to go until domestic football returns, clubs are worried about losing players at the start of the season due to Covid-19.

Some players are still refusing to get the vaccination, according to the Sun, due to personal preference or because of their faith, which is causing division in some dressing rooms.

One Championship club has reportedly been forced to isolate players after one player, who hadn't been vaccinated, tested positive for the virus.

Not all players are currently taking up the vaccination. Image: PA Images

A source told the paper, "We know people will have their own views and reasons but it's causing friction.

"A player here refused to be vaccinated only to catch the virus. Then in the following days other players and staff tested positive.

"It means people are having to self-isolate and it's causing major disruption to our planning with the season starting in a week."

Manchester United's pre season plans were hit earlier this week when some players and staff recorded had tested positive on lateral flow tests.

It meant the club cancelled their friendly with Preston North End, meaning they only have four friendlies ahead of the season. PCR tests then proved that none of the players or staff had actually tested positive.

Anfield was being used as a vaccination centre. Image: PA Image

According to sources, a Premier League player was unable to finalise a transfer this week due to a positive Covid test.

Another player couldn't complete contract talks for the same reason, as Coronavirus continues to affect football following a year plus with no fans in the stadiums.

From August 16th rules will be changed in England, which will mean that those who are fully vaccinated will only have to report negative tests in order to avoid isolation.

However last month it was reported that from October, players, staff and fans might have to be double vaccinated to attend games.

Topics: EFL, Football, Premier League, championship, Covid-19

Ryan Sidle

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