Arsenal request WSL postponement after Covid case linked to unauthorised Dubai trip

Three players made unauthorised trips to the UAE over the Christmas break despite London being under tier 4 restrictions

Arsenal have asked for their WSL game to be postponed (Getty)

Arsenal have asked for their Women’s Super League fixture against Aston Villa on Saturday to be postponed after an unauthorised trip to Dubai led to a positive coronavirus case.

Three players visited the United Arab Emirates over the Christmas break, despite London being under tier 4 restrictions that meant travelling abroad was not permitted except for business purposes.

On their return, one Gunners player tested positive for coronavirus on the second round of testing, with the first showing negative results for all three players.  

All WSL players were warned by their clubs before Christmas to stay at home over the break, but the trio did not inform Arsenal before travelling.

READ MORE: Lando Norris tests positive for coronavirus on holiday in Dubai

Although it has been reported that the trips have caused anger amongst the team, Arsenal have said that the trips were made for commercial reasons following an investigation.

Arsenal’s Irish International Katie McCabe, 25, is one of the players, but claimed her trip was for a “business meeting with her agent”, who is also her brother, according to the Telegraph.

Manchester City also reported on Monday that four of their players tested positive for coronavirus after returning from trips from Dubai.

However, the club knew about the trips and permitted them as Manchester was in tier three at the time which allowed travel but was not advised by the government’s guidelines.

It is not yet confirmed if City’s match against West Ham on Saturday will take place following the news.

Villa have already had three of their WSL fixtures postponed this season due to coronavirus cases.