PREMIER LEAGUE stars could face missing matches if they refuse to take up the coronavirus vaccine under new rules being laid out by the Government.
Under current regulations, un-jabbed ‘elite sportspersons’ who return to the UK from abroad are exempt from the ten-day isolation period.
But that could change after Culture Secretary, Nadine Dorries, pushed to scrap that right, according to reports.
That would mean top-flight footballers – as well as other sporting stars – would have to follow the same rules as members of the public, with no exceptions.
Any unvaccinated Premier League star returning from abroad – from an away game in Europe or international break, for example – would then be ruled out for ten days.
That could mean the players in question miss a number of matches.
With games coming thick and fast – and with a number of teams blighted by Covid and injuries – squads could be put even more strain.
Speaking about the potential change to the rules, a Government source told The Telegraph: “If you want to have special treatment you’ve got to do your bit to keep others healthy and safe.
“Getting vaccinated isn’t only about your health but others.”
Premier League chiefs are reportedly ready to push back should the new rules be enforced.
Top-flight officials believe the players in question would pose very little health risk due to the strict testing rules currently in place.
Current rules demand the general public isolate for ten days on arrival back in the UK and undertake a PCR test on days two and eight.
While elite sportspersons are expected to abide by the same rules they are currently allowed to break their isolation for the purposes of training or playing.
The current figures show a staggering 16 per cent of Prem players are yet to accept a single dose of the vaccine.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson will have final say regarding the new rules.
Johnson has currently shared his frustration at unvaccinated members of the public, calling it ‘absolutely crazy’ that so many people have refused the jab and ended up seriously ill in hospital.
The news comes as world tennis No1 Novak Djokovic was denied entry into Australia due to his vaccination status.
The Serbian star, a nine-time winner Down Under, was given his marching orders following a six hour stand-off at Melbourne Airport.
Djokovic had been granted an exemption to play at the Australian Open despite his vaccination record.
But Aussie Prime Minister Scott Morrison claimed: “Mr Djokovic’s visa has been cancelled.
“Rules are rules, especially when it comes to our borders.
“No one is above these rules.”
