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The game was supposed to take place in front of 2,000 local fans at 8pm GMT at Goodison Park on Monday night, but will now be played at a later date, with City also closing their training ground for an “indeterminate period” to obtain the outbreak under control.
The team and the associated bubble will undergo tests before a decision is made to resume training.
City confirmed on Christmas Day that forward Gabriel Jesus, defender Kyle Walker and two staff members had tested positive for Covid-19, and the outbreak has since worsened.
The club said that “a series of positive cases” in addition to the four already reported have forced postponement of the game with Everton.
A Manchester City statement on Monday afternoon read: “Manchester City FC can confirm that tonight’s Premier League match at Everton has been postponed.
“After the latest round of Covid-19 testing, the club returned several positive cases, in addition to the four already reported on Christmas Day.
“With the security of the bubble compromised, there was a risk that the virus would spread further between equipment, personnel, and potentially beyond.
Based on strong medical advice, the Premier League, in consultation with both clubs, has decided to postpone the match.
“All positive cases involving players and staff will observe a period of self-isolation in accordance with the quarantine protocol of the Premier League and the UK government.
“The first team training ground at City Football Academy will be closed for an indefinite period, and the team and associated bubble will undergo tests before a decision is made to resume training.
“Everyone at the Club wishes all our colleagues a speedy recovery before they return to work, training and competition.”
Everton said in a statement: “Following a meeting of the Premier League Board of Directors this afternoon, Everton Football Club was informed that tonight’s game against Manchester City was postponed for medical reasons due to an increase in cases. of COVID-19 in the Manchester City team.
“Fans who got tickets to the game through the Club’s ballot are advised not to travel to the stadium.
“An alternative date and start time have not yet been decided, but will be confirmed as soon as possible.”
The Premier League said further testing will take place on Tuesday, with the top flight insisting that they continue to fully rely on their Covid-19 protocols and the way clubs are implementing them.
“Manchester City today submitted a request to the Premier League to reorganize the match following an increase in positive COVID-19 test results received by the club this morning, in addition to the cases reported on Christmas Day,” said the league in its own official. statement on Monday.
“This increase has created uncertainty and the Premier League Board received medical advice that the match should be postponed. The Board agreed to reorganize the game as a precaution, and further testing will take place tomorrow.
“The decision was made with the health of the players and staff as a priority. The Premier League continues to have full confidence in its protocols and rules, and in the way all clubs are implementing them. The League wishes those with COVID-19 a quick and safe recovery and will reorganize the postponed match against Everton in due course. “
