Thursday’s Premier League fixture at the King Power Stadium becomes the third one to be called off this week, and the fourth in the last fortnight, due to coronavirus.
Tottenham’s Premier League match against Leicester City has been postponed, it has been confirmed.
Tottenham head coach Antonio Conte and Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers both communicated earlier this week that they had requested the match to be put off in light of the COVID outbreak in their squads.
The clubs had their initial requests rejected, but the managers’ wish has now been granted.
Spurs vs the Foxes becomes the third English top-flight match to be called off this week following the postponement of Watford vs Burnley and Manchester United vs Brentford.
An official statement on the Spurs’ website reads: “The Premier League has released the following statement regarding our Premier League match against Leicester City, scheduled for this evening (Thursday 16 December)…
“The Premier League Board has postponed Leicester City FC’s match against Tottenham Hotspur tonight due to an increase in positive COVID-19 cases within Leicester’s squad today.
“In light of the new information, Leicester applied this morning for the fixture to be called off due to an ongoing outbreak within the squad, which has resulted in more players and staff testing positive for COVID-19 today. This has left the club with an insufficient number of players available to fulfil the game.
“Following consultation with the Premier League and UK Health Security Agency, the club’s training ground was closed this morning to help contain the outbreak.
“The Premier League understands this decision will disappoint and frustrate fans who were due to attend this evening’s game and apologises for the inconvenience and disruption caused at such short notice. The Board assesses applications to postpone matches on a case-by-case basis, based on existing rules and COVID-19 postponement guidance issued to all clubs. It will assess a number of factors, including the ability of a club to field a team; the status, severity and potential impact of the COVID-19 outbreak at the club; and the ability of the players to safely prepare for and play the match. The Board must also consider the wider risks to the opposition and other people the club may come into contact with.
“With the health and wellbeing of all players and staff the priority, and In light of the recent rise in COVID-19 cases across the country, the Premier League has reintroduced Emergency Measures. These include protocols such as more frequent testing, wearing face coverings while indoors, observing social distancing and limiting treatment time.”
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