France’s new coronavirus regulations could pose problems to non-French competitors in France in 2022, including England rugby and Chelsea.
France’s president Emmanuel Macron has announced that professional athletes in France will have to be vaccinated twice as often starting January 15, under the new Covid rules.
Eddie Jones, England’s representative in the Twenty22 Six Nations Six Nations Final Round on March 19, will face France in Paris. The new rules may make it impossible for unvaccinated people to participate.
It is unknown how many England players are not vaccinated but centre Henry Slade, who has Type 1 diabetes. Last summer, he insisted that he wouldn’t be getting the vaccine because of past problems with jabs.
The French sport ministry spokeswoman said that a decision will be taken ‘within days” on the impact of the new rules on non-French competitors in France.
Champions League holders Chelsea have drawn Lille Ligue 1 in the 16th round of competition. Thomas Tuchel will only be able pick two-vaccinated players in this crucial match.
Eddie Jones, England’s rugby coach (L), may not be able pick double-vaccinated candidates for the Six Nations match in France following new Covid rules by Emmanuel Macron.
Henry Slade, England’s centre for medicine and research (L), insisted that last summer he wouldn’t be getting the vaccine
Chelsea face Lille in the Champions League and Thomas Tuchel may only be able to pick players who are vaccinated (Note: no suggestion players pictured have refused the jab)
Tuchel, who double-jabbed is a proponent of free will and won’t force anyone to have the vaccine, previously stated that people ought to be able choose.
Tuchel stated last week that he knew it was causing problems.
“But, it is not that all of us are unvaccinated. Positive vaccinated athletes are available. I don’t want to get involved in pointing fingers and starting the hunt for non‑vaccinated people. It is your choice.
“We cannot make people get vaccinated. This is what I stand by. I’m not qualified to make a comment. You can find experts all around Europe and in this country. Ask them about football.
Tuchel is double-jabbed and says that people have the right to make their own decisions. He will not forcibly force players to get vaccines.
For accessing stadiums or participating in games, both professional and amateur athletes in France must present a Covid Passport.
You can get this by being either double-vaccinated, or by undergoing a negative test. However, the new rules will remove the second option and allow you to obtain a single vaccination passport.
A spokesperson for the RFU stated that they would follow all government travel advice. They also said that they will monitor France’s Six Nations match with England.
Recent statistics show that 98% in France of the elite rugby players are currently vaccinated. The figure for footballers is slightly lower, at 95%. Both cases are still higher than the England figures.
France have also become the latest nation to limit spectators at football matches with new Covid rules announced limiting outdoor gatherings to just 5,000 people.
These new restrictions will be in effect for the next three weeks and limit public gatherings indoors to only 2,000 persons, while outdoor events are limited to 5,000.
Although the strain appears milder than previous variants, officials in France have warned that hospitals face being overwhelmed following a record 100,000 positive test results being reported on Saturday.
Since the beginning of the pandemic almost two years ago, the daily numbers have reached their highest level in France.
This follows similar German measures where 15,000 Bundesliga fans were restricted from watching matches due to rules that were introduced in December.
France is now limiting outdoor sporting events, including matches between football players to only 5,000 people
Scotland is even stricter with their restrictions regarding football fans attending matches starting on Boxing Day.
As tensions flared amid strict restrictions limiting attendance to 500, football supporters clashed with police in a Premiership match.
In an effort to view their side’s game against St Johnstone, Celtic fans clashed on the streets with Perth police officers.
Supporters outside the ground brought green flares and unveiled banners reading, ‘F**k the SNP’ as they attempted to storm the ground.
Boris Johnson has yet to rule out restrictions in England, so Premier League ground will remain at maximum capacity, despite Monday’s talks.
Sajid Javid confirmed that England was going it alone when it decided to hit the panic button and declared, ‘There will not be any further measures until the New Year.