Premier League players and staff face compulsory vaccination against Covid-19 as part of government plans to keep the league going if the country is forced into a winter lockdown.

Reports this week suggested that football fans will have to prove they are double jabbed with a ‘Covid passport’ in order to attend Premier League fixtures.

Now, it seems footballers and support staff will be told the same.

Players will have to prove they have had two vaccinations by October 1, meaning players who are yet to have their second jab have 10 weeks to do so, the Daily Mail reports.

According to reports, the Premier League backs the plans as it wants to see full crowds at stadiums as soon as possible.

Last season, players were told to test twice a week in order to keep the league going with little interruption throughout lockdowns.

However, under new government guidance this will no longer be enough with hopes of large crowd returning to Premier League stadiums.

There was concern among clubs over being seen to jump the vaccination queue with just two of England’s top tier teams having all players and staff vaccinated so far, according to reports.

It is thought players unwilling to be vaccinated may be able to seek exemption on medical or religious grounds but no such process has yet been established.