Premier League and EFL want vaccine passports to get fans back into stadiums next season as both bodies throw support behind scheme

• The Premier League and EFL want vaccine passports introduced for next season 
• Both bodies support the scheme that would help with the return of supporters 
• Plans will be in place for fans who cannot be vaccinated so they don't lose out 
• Passports could be introduced in late July, in time for the 2021-22 season The Premier League and Football League want the Government to introduce vaccine passports to facilitate the return of fans to stadiums next season.

  Sportsmail has learned that, as part of a Covid Certification Review run by the Cabinet Office, both bodies submitted evidence this week outlining their support for vaccine certificates. It is envisaged these would operate digitally as part of the test-and-trace NHS app.

  The Government’s consultation over the introduction of vaccine passports has been rejected by representatives of the hospitality industry. The Premier League and EFL, however, are convinced the scheme could play a vital role in enabling fans to attend matches.

  

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  The Premier League and EFL want vaccine passports introduced to welcome fans back

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  Both would also want it to be extended to supporters who have tested negative for Covid-19 within the required period. There is a recognition that some people cannot be vaccinated for health or religious reasons and executives do not want them to lose out.The earliest proposed date for the introduction of vaccine passports is late July, which is when it is hoped all adults will have been offered at least one jab — a time-table that would fit in with the start of next season. The EFL is due to start on August 6 and the Premier League a week later.

  The FA are also expected to embrace vaccine passports if they are introduced, although they will not be used at the European Championship when Wembley will open its doors to Scotland fans for the group D England clash.

  

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  Both leagues are convinced that the scheme could play a vital role in bringing fans back

  

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  The scheme could be rolled out in late July, just in time for the start of the 2021-22 campaign

  There is hope that at least 10,000 domestic supporters will be allowed into the national stadium for England’s group matches. That means Scotland fans will have the opportunity to cheer on Steve Clarke’s men on June 18.

  Next week, the Government are to confirm the plan for spectators to return to football — but fans will have to take up to three Covid tests to attend test events. Sportsmail understands Whitehall will release their schedule for test events as early as Monday.

  The FA Cup semi-final between Leicester and Southampton on April 18, where 4,000 spectators are set to be permitted, and the Carabao Cup final between Tottenham and Manchester City on April 25, where it is hoped 8,000 will attend, will be confirmed as dates.

  To apply for tickets, spectators must return at least one negative lateral flow Covid-19 test before attending the match, undertaken 24 hours prior to an event. They will also have to commit to taking a PCR Covid-19 home test after the event.

  

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  Passports will not be in place in time for the Euros, with fans expected for England v Scotland

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