FA Cup third round: Teams to be tested for coronavirus 72 hours before ties this weekend

Widespread postponements amid Football League and non-league games have caused concern ahead of the cup competition’s next round

Jonathan Veal
Monday 04 January 2021 16:30 GMT
Comments
(Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Clubs are expected to have to make an application for a Football Association (FA) review if they are unable to play FA Cup third-round matches due to the impact of coronavirus.

Sixty-four sides will take part in this weekend’s ties, and – under guidelines set out by the governing body – all must be tested 72 hours before their respective matches.

With weekly testing not in place for Football League and non-league teams, many of whom have suffered match postponements over the Christmas period, there are concerns that the third-round schedule will be massively impacted.

If a tie is unable to go ahead as a result of Covid-19 then the FA will review the matter.

However, an already packed calendar appears to have little room for rearrangements if games are postponed.

Testing for all non-Premier League teams will be paid for by the Professional Game Board, which is part of the FA and has representatives from organisations across the professional sport.

READ MORE: What transfers could happen in January window?

Premier League clubs are being tested twice weekly as standard, while all Football League clubs are being checked this week anyway as part of their scheduled programme as discussions over moving to a twice-weekly test continue.

Non-league sides Boreham Wood, Chorley, Marine and Stockport will all be checked from Wednesday onwards.

PA

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in