Kieran Maguire

Fri 31 December 2021 13:57, UK

It defies logic for the Football League to end matchday Covid-19 testing – but it is great news for Sunderland who may benefit financially.

That is the view of finance guru Kieran Maguire, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the latest news from EFL headquarters.

As relayed by BBC Sport yesterday (30 December), the EFL have scrapped the rule requiring clubs to test their players on matchdays.

A spokesman cited the “significant concern and uncertainty” caused to clubs and fans amid a spate of late cancellations across the pyramid.

Sunderland were due to play Fleetwood Town on Sunday (2 January) but that clash was postponed because of positive cases in the visitors’ camp.

Maguire claims that the new rules eliminate the risk of the Black Cats spending needlessly on operational costs on matchdays.

“It is being driven by financial considerations,” he told Football Insider‘s Adam Willilams.

“It is the equivalent of reducing drink driving offences by abolishing breathalysers after a car crash. But from a club’s point of view, great news.

“It allows them to host matches with a greater degree of certainty. That reduces the amount of unavoidable costs on a matchday.

“From a financial point of view, that makes sense. But the issue is that it appears to be taking precedence over other issues to do with Covid.“

Sunderland, who are now top of League one, thumped Sheffield Wednesday 5-0 yesterday (30 December).

Lee Johnson’s side take on fellow promotion chasers Wycombe Wanderers in their next match on Saturday week (8 January).

In other news, Kevin Phillips “feels sorry” for Sunderland “kid” after “massive” Nathan Broadhead news confirmed.