Report: Premier League confirm Spurs vs Leicester postponed and reveal reason why

The Premier League have confirmed they have postponed Tottenham’s encounter with Leicester this evening due to an ongoing outbreak of COVID-19.

Spurs were due to face the Foxes at the King Power Stadium this evening after having their last league fixture against Brighton called off at the weekend. 

Antonio Conte led a skeleton squad in training this week following the gradual return of a handful of the affected nine players with the expectation that the match would continue to go ahead. 

However, after a number of positive cases in the Leicester camp, a call to Premier League chiefs from Brendan Rodgers’ side on Thursday morning was enough to see the game called off – making it Spurs’ third COVID-related postponement of the season. 

A statement read: “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.”

Both clubs initially requested to have the fixture postponed earlier this week but saw their proposals turned down by league officials. 

Spurs allegedly submitted a request to cancel the match in order to play their delayed Europa Conference League game against Rennes this week instead, while Leicester have been dealing with up to nine COVID and illness-related absentees. 

The postponement serves as the third this week after Manchester United’s trip to Brentford and Burnley’s match against Watford were both cancelled for similar reasons. 

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