Premier League in dark over clubs’ exemption from travel restrictions amid Omicron variant spread

The Premier League are seeking urgent clarification from the Government about their clubs’ exemption from travel restrictions amid fears that next week’s Champions League and Europa League ties could be affected by the spread of the Omicron Covid variant. 

New travel rules requiring all UK visitors to take a PCR test and self-isolate for several days came into effect this morning, and the Government have yet to confirm that there will be an exemption for elite sport.

Under the previous restrictions that were in place until October, elite players and athletes were able to avoid isolating by completing a fast-track PCR test within hours of landing, a loophole the Premier League are anxious to ensure remains in place. 

The Government have yet to confirm that there will be an exemption to travel restrictions for elite sport

With the Government moving quickly to bring in new rules however, sources told Sportsmail on Monday night that all existing exemptions are under review.

A failure to secure an exemption could put next week’s European fixtures at risk or lead to Premier League clubs fielding weakened teams in the Champions League given they have all qualified for the last 16. 

In another complication, Manchester United’s home tie against Young Boys could be moved to a neutral venue after the Swiss government on Monday imposed a 10-day quarantine on UK arrivals.

There will be chaos regarding tickets and travel costs if the venue was to be moved with just over a week to go, while it is still unclear whether fans would be allowed to travel to the match.

Switzerland uncovered its first ‘probable’ Omicron case on Monday, while Swiss voters backed the government’s pandemic response plan in a referendum by a clear majority 24 hours earlier.

Man United’s Champions League clash against Young Boys could be played at neutral venue