The Italian Government has drawn up a new protocol for team sports, ruling Serie A and B sides can postpone games if over 35 per cent of the squad has COVID-19.
The battle has been going on for weeks now between the Lega Serie A and the ASL (local health authorities) over who has the right to order the postponement of a match.
While the Lega Serie A wanted to stick to the UEFA protocol – as long as there are 13 players including a goalkeeper, the game goes ahead – the various regional ASL authorities would order entire squads into quarantine for five to 10 days if there was an outbreak.
With new rules limiting quarantine for close contacts of those who test positive if they are vaccinated, a meeting was held today to reach a compromise.
Now it has been decided that a game can be postponed if at least 35 per cent of the playing squad has tested positive for COVID-19.
In a squad of circa 33-34 players, that would mean 11 players positive at any one time.
The new protocol states that anyone who tests positive must self-isolate and close contacts will have daily tests for at least five days, but do not need to self-isolate.
The protocol has been finalised after some matches went ahead with numerous players out, resulting in Udinese suing to prevent the 6-2 defeat to Atalanta being registered, claiming it was unfair in the circumstances.
In Serie A, 98 per cent of players have been vaccinated and the other two per cent will not be allowed to play unless they have a Super Green Pass, which means vaccination.
Con il 35% della rosa della prima squadra positivo, la squadra si ferma e la partita si rinvia
— Daniele Mari (@marifcinter) January 12, 2022