SFA hopeful on change to self-isolation rules for footballers

Scottish FA chief executive Ian Maxwell says the government is considering its proposal to end the requirement for players to miss training and matches if they are close contacts to someone who has tested positive for Covid-19.

Existing rules require anyone who has been close to a person who has tested positive to self-isolate for ten days to avoid spreading the virus.

That’s had a significant effect on clubs, where a number of cup games have been cancelled early in the season because teams have been unable to fulfil fixtures.

Managers of top flight clubs have expressed concern that the existing rules could play havoc with the upcoming Premiership season if something isn’t done.

Speaking after the organisation’s AGM, Maxwell said he’s hopeful a solution can be found. He explained that there had been a proposal put forward where close contacts who have returned negative tests would self-isolate away from football but be permitted to train and play in games.

“I know that the close contact criteria is under review and the Scottish Government is looking at that,” Maxwell told STV.

“That’s the driver because any positive case means individuals are required to isolate. That’s consistent across society and not specific to football.

“So we’re in dialogue with Scottish Government. There are measures which we can implement which could maybe mitigate those factors and allow players to return to training and matches, even if they are self-isolating away from football.

“We’re hopeful we can achieve something in that area but it’s a process to go through.

“It’s with government now. We’ve submitted a proposal to them and it’ll go through the process.

“It’s fair to say that everybody wants to get back to normal sooner rather than later, not even withstanding testing but in terms of the other restrictions which we’re living with for a bit of time yet.”