Government demand threatens rift between PFA and clubs amid vaccine clause plans

The 92 clubs in the Premier League and EFL are facing a potential battle with the PFA over plans to make Covid vaccines mandatory for players.

The Mail report that the proposals to insert vaccination clauses into player contracts is causing a rift between clubs and the players' trade union.

They say that several clubs are considering making vaccination against Covid-19 a condition of employment amid concerns that take-up of the jab has been low.

The Government have said they want all players and backroom staff to be fully vaccinated by October. But that does not take into account those who do not wish to have the jab.

The Mail claims that there is "considerable reluctance" among players in their late teens and early 20s, in particular.

It comes just weeks before the new EFL season begins, in less than a fortnight, on August 6. The Premier League starts on August 13.

Publicised examples of players suffering seriously from Covid are rare, although Birmingham goalkeeper Neil Etheridge was admitted to hospital recently.

Nevertheless, his club manager Lee Bowyer still believes being vaccinated should still be a personal choice.

He said: "You can't force anybody can you?' Make somebody have the jabs? They are grown men and it is their decision. You can give your professional opinion and advice but it is up to them as individuals."

It is unknown whether Etheridge had been vaccinated prior to his hospitalisation.

The most up-to-date figures show that 69.5 per cent of the population has had their first jab with 55 per cent fully vaccinated.

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