FA Cup third round: Teams to be tested for coronavirus 72 hours before ties this weekend

Widespread postponements amid Football League and non-league games have caused concern ahead of the cup competition’s next round

(Getty Images)

Clubs are expected to have to make an application for a Football Association (FA) review if they are unable to play FA Cup third-round matches due to the impact of coronavirus.

Sixty-four sides will take part in this weekend’s ties, and – under guidelines set out by the governing body – all must be tested 72 hours before their respective matches.

With weekly testing not in place for Football League and non-league teams, many of whom have suffered match postponements over the Christmas period, there are concerns that the third-round schedule will be massively impacted.

If a tie is unable to go ahead as a result of Covid-19 then the FA will review the matter.

However, an already packed calendar appears to have little room for rearrangements if games are postponed.

Testing for all non-Premier League teams will be paid for by the Professional Game Board, which is part of the FA and has representatives from organisations across the professional sport.

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Premier League clubs are being tested twice weekly as standard, while all Football League clubs are being checked this week anyway as part of their scheduled programme as discussions over moving to a twice-weekly test continue.

Non-league sides Boreham Wood, Chorley, Marine and Stockport will all be checked from Wednesday onwards.

PA