EXPLAINED: How to register for Premier League and EFL matches this Christmas

Daniel Brown

Here’s everything you need to know about the government’s new Covid-19 rules, which come into force from Wednesday – and affect both sporting events and entertainment

The government’s new Covid-19 rules will impact football fans throughout England, with proof of double vaccination or a negative lateral flow test now required to attend sporting events with crowds of more than 10,000 people.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Wednesday that the rules – which are part of the government’s ‘plan B’ – are being introduced to tackle the spread of the Omicron variant of Covid-19.

But what does it mean for supporters on matchdays? Will fans need to arrive early at stadiums? How are the rules going to be policed?

We answer all of the key questions ahead of the busy festive period.

What are the new rules?

In response to the ongoing threat of the Omicron variant, the government’s ‘Plan B’ to fight the spread was voted through by Conservative MPs on Tuesday.

The new rules will see a change in how fans attend matches, with some major changes coming into force for sporting events.

From Wednesday onwards, people are required to:

Show a ‘Covid pass’ when attending nightclubs, indoor unseated venues with more than 500 people, outdoor unseated venues with more than 4,000 people and any event with more than 10,000 people.

What do the rules mean for me?

Following the Prime Minster’s announcement, football fans now need to show either proof of double vaccination via the NHS Covid app or proof of a negative lateral flow test taken inside the previous 48 hours to attend a Premier League match.

The tightening of the rules is in place to keep matches and stadiums open at full capacity, with the absolute last resort being that matches go back to being held behind closed doors.

As well as showing proof of vaccination and/or a negative lateral flow test, supporters aged 18 and over must complete COVID status self-declaration via club’s website ahead of matchday.

Reminder from @premierleague: "From 15 Dec, all those aged 18 + attending PL matches must complete COVID status self-declaration via club’s website ahead of matchday. Supporters must be prepared to show NHS COVID pass or proof of negative NHS COVID test on arrival at stadium."

— Simon Stone (@sistoney67) December 15, 2021

How do I get a COVID-19 pass?

Supporters can get a domestic Covid pass through the NHS Covid app if they are 18 or over, registered with a GP and meet ANY of the following criteria:

It has been at least two weeks since their second vaccination (or single Jansen dose).
They have returned a negative PCR or lateral flow test result in the past 48 hours and reported it on the NHS website (this pass is valid for 48 hours after the result).
They have had a positive PCR test result in the past six months and finished self-isolating (this pass lasts for 180 days).

For fans who are not fully vaccinated, they will be able to show proof of a negative lateral flow test instead of their vaccination status.

It is also possible to attend matches in England if supporters have an alternative way of showing a negative LFT or PCR test, for example, a text or an email from the NHS.

Which are the first games to be affected?

With the rules coming into force on Wednesday, the four Premier League matches that are being played on December 15 will all be subject to stricter protocols.

Wednesday’s Premier League games are:

Arsenal v West Ham
Brighton v Wolves
Burnley v Watford
Crystal Palace v Southampton

There are three more Premier League matches taking place on Thursday:

Chelsea v Everton
Leicester v Tottenham
Liverpool v Newcastle

🚨 Important information for anyone attending tonight's game at Emirates Stadium👇

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 15, 2021

How will the rules be enforced?

Football clubs have already been planning for how they will police checking vaccination passports, with governing bodies insisting that they will provide support to clubs that need help to implement the checks.

While the specific details are yet to be confirmed by the government, a number of clubs have said that information will be sent to ticket holders by email before matches.

Supporters are being advised to read instructions sent out by clubs and arrive earlier at grounds to allow the checks to be completed.

Some clubs, such as Tottenham, Chelsea and Brighton, have already made Covid passes mandatory, with other sides spot-checking fans on arrival.

What happens if supporters do not follow the rules?

Should fans fail to provide proof of double vaccination or proof of a negative lateral flow test, they will be denied access to the stadium.

Clubs will be implementing new protocols in the coming week and a "Covid passport" or negative test will be needed at larger grounds – whether it's home or away make sure to familiarise yourself with the new info ahead of matchdays.https://t.co/RTUo31RcL8

— The FSA (@WeAreTheFSA) December 9, 2021

How does this differ to other high attendance events?

Unlike at football matches, there has been no mention of needing to complete a COVID status self-declaration at other major events.

For example, while people also need to demonstrate their Covid status to gain entry to nightclubs, indoor unseated venues with more than 500 people and unseated outdoor venues with more than 4,000 people, the requirement to complete a self-declaration has not been discussed.

People attending the upcoming ‘Battle of the Brits tennis exhibition’ – which is taking place in Aberdeen on 21-22 December and features Andy Murray, Jamie Murray and Cameron Norrie – will not be required to show their Covid status.

In line with Scottish government guidance, the event does not require proof of double vaccination or a negative lateral flow test as the capacity of the seated event is less than 10,000.

In summation

With the amount of new rules coming into force, it could be confusing for some people to wrap their head around exactly what they need to do in order to attend Premier League matches.

So, if you are going to a match that will have more than 10,000 fans in attendance (essentially, all Premier League matches) then you need to show a ‘Covid pass’, or a negative lateral flow test, to any relevant stewards on arrival at the ground.

As well as this, supporters aged 18 and over must also complete a COVID status self-declaration via the club’s website ahead of matchday.

Wearing a face mask will not be required as all of the Premier League stadium is classed as an outdoor venue – but they might be recommended by a respective club.

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