The Premier League will continue to explore the possibility of Covid certification to gain entry to stadiums next season even though the Government has no immediate plans to make them mandatory, the PA news agency understands.
Certification – providing proof of full vaccination, a recent negative test or immunity via the NHS App – is being trialled at events such as Wimbledon and Euro 2020 which are part of the Government’s ongoing Events Research Programme (ERP).
Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed on Monday that certification would not be mandatory for venues in England as they prepare to return to full capacity from July 19, but it is understood the English top flight’s clubs could still use the system when the new season starts next month.
The legal requirement to wear face coverings in certain settings is also set to end on July 19.
A chief executive at a League One team said his club had discussed the issue with police representatives on Tuesday and decided it would not enforce the wearing of face coverings within their ground, though stewards near “pinch points” such as toilets might wear them in an effort to encourage others to do the same.
A separate League One club, AFC Wimbledon, said they had not yet reached a position on the issue.
“We are delighted that football has taken a giant step towards normality but we will await definitive EFL guidelines before making any further specific decisions,” a club statement read.
