Teams face being KICKED OUT of FA Cup if they cannot fulfil third round ties due to coronavirus cases

Any teams that are unable to fulfil their FA Cup matches this weekend due to coronavirus cases face being thrown out of the competition, according to reports.

England entered its third national lockdown on Tuesday amid an alarming rise in cases, hospital admissions and deaths.

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There has also been an increase in players catching the virus with 40 Premier League players testing positive in the latest round of tests.

The third round of the FA Cup is due to be played this weekend despite swathes of matches being postponed across the country.

In the Premier League, three games have been called off in the last week while in the EFL dozens have been affected.

Non-league football has seen numerous games postponed. For instance, National League side Dover Athletic have had ten games called off this season and have played seven games fewer than some of the other teams in their league.

To make sure the FA Cup goes ahead as safely as possible, the FA have ordered all sides undergo testing 72 hours before kick-off.

They will also pick up the bill for the test so lower league and non-league sides will not miss out.

report that a letter has been sent out by the FA to all clubs in the third round that games must go ahead if teams have 14 fit registered players available.

If teams are unable to fulfil their fixture then the Professional Game Board will determine the outcome with the tie likely to be awarded to the opponent.

Any decision can be appealed against, though.

Tests will begin to take place on Tuesday for matches held on Friday with more developments likely closer to the weekend.

Derby’s game against non-league Chorley is already one that could be in doubt with ‘several first-team staff members and players’ at the Championship side testing positive.

Sheffield Wednesday have also had to close their training ground with the Owls due to face Exeter on Saturday.