Only in exceptional circumstances. Once the implementation notice is in force, a club with 14 or more available squad list players will not get permission to postpone a league match.
What the protocol is and how it starts
This protocol sets out measures clubs have agreed the board may use if it considers them necessary to get the competition completed. Those measures take effect when the board sends written notice to clubs.
After that notice, the board will permit a league match to be rearranged or postponed only in exceptional circumstances, which are judged on a case-by-case basis. Any of these measures, and the postponement measures in particular, may be subject to later overriding FIFA regulations and be updated accordingly.
When the board will consider a postponement
These are the main situations the board weighs when a club asks for a postponement.
| The club's position | What the board does |
|---|---|
| 14 or more squad list players available | Permission will not be granted |
| Fewer than 14 available | The board may permit it, subject to what follows |
| The shortage is down to a failure to comply with a board protocol | Counts against the application |
| A player is in government-mandated isolation after returning from overseas | Counts against the application |
| A replacement player could have been used and was not | Counts against the application |
| Experienced Under 21 players are available | Weighed, and clubs are expected to use them |
The key line is not a general right to postpone, but a threshold for even being considered. Below that line the board may allow a postponement, and each case is judged on its own facts.
Three situations work against the club even below that line: the shortage comes from a failure by the club or player to follow a medical or other board protocol; a player is in government-mandated isolation after returning from overseas; or a replacement player could have been used but was not.
What else the board weighs
Numbers are only part of the decision. The board also looks at how many registered Under 21 players are available and how experienced they are, and clubs are expected to use Under 21 players who have suitable experience.
For this purpose, an Under 21 player is experienced if he has made a first-team appearance for the club, for another Premier League or EFL club, or for an overseas club. The board also looks at positions, including whether an appropriately experienced goalkeeper is available.
There is no subjective grading for the level of the unavailable players. The board's view is that such weighting would be extremely difficult to apply realistically and enforce.
How an application is made and what follows a refusal
An application has to be made as far in advance of the match as reasonably practicable. It also has to include all the evidence the club wants the board to consider.
If the board refuses the request, the club must complete the fixture. If the club then does not do so, and the board decides that it failed to use its best endeavours to have the match played at the scheduled date and time, or caused the postponement, the case is dealt with under the disciplinary rules.
FAQ
How many available players rule out a postponement?
The fixed line is 14 available players on the squad list. At that point, permission will not be granted.
That does not create an automatic postponement below the line. It only opens the door to a case-by-case decision.
Do Under 21 players count when the board assesses availability?
Yes. The board weighs how many registered Under 21 players are available and how experienced they are.
Clubs are expected to use appropriately experienced Under 21 players. Their availability can count against a postponement request.
Can a club refuse to play after its application is turned down?
No. A refused club must complete the fixture.
If it still does not, and the board decides the club did not use its best endeavours to have the match played as scheduled, or caused the postponement, the matter goes into the disciplinary process.
What if a club cannot field its preferred team?
The decision is not based on preference or on a subjective ranking of player quality. The board does not apply that kind of weighting.
It looks instead at availability, the reasons for the shortage, the available Under 21 options, and the positions affected, including goalkeeper cover.