The Premier League has announced that they will be changing the guidelines on when a match can be postponed due to Covid cases among a squad, after a spate of cancellations during the 2021/22 season.

Last season 22 games were postponed due to Covid outbreaks in certain squads, which did draw some criticism for clubs using a loophole regarding the number of players needed to call a match off.

Now games will only be rescheduled if the impact of player unavailability on a club's squad is "truly exceptional" the league said on Wednesday (June 15).

As reported by BBC Sport under the new guidelines, requests will continue to be assessed on a case-by-case basis but only be granted if the concerned club has taken all measures to avoid a postponement.

The Argus: 22 matches were postponed due to Covid outbreaks in squads last season (PA)22 matches were postponed due to Covid outbreaks in squads last season (PA)

The league said in a statement: "This will replace the previous COVID-19 match postponement guidance, providing a standard process for applications.

"Approval will only be granted where the impact of player unavailability on a club's squad is truly exceptional and where the club concerned has taken all reasonable steps to avoid the necessity to make the application."

If a club has 10 outfield players and a goalkeeper available from its squad list, or has 15 contracted outfield players and a goalkeeper, it should play.

In the case of injured players, full documentation around their injury has to be submitted.

Meanwhile, for those testing positive for coronavirus, the date of the positive test and when symptoms first developed will have to be shown.