PREMIER League clubs will fund compulsory coronavirus tests for EFL opponents in cup matches this season.
Top-flight chairmen made the decision at a meeting yesterday after lower league sides said they could not cover the costs of testing.
It will apply to games in the Emirates FA Cup, which Premier League sides enter at the third round in January, and Carabao Cup ties from the quarter-finals onwards.
Several clubs in the top division paid for EFL opponents to be tested ahead of last week's matches in the latter competition, with Tottenham's fixture against Leyton Orient postponed after multiple players from the Sky Bet League Two outfit recorded positive results.
Karl Robinson: EFL needs to restart regular Covid tests
Oxford United boss Karl Robinson has called for weekly tests to be reintroduced in the EFL, with clubs only forced to test players if they show symptoms, sign a new player, or have anyone returning from international duty.
Meanwhile, Premier League sides continue to resist paying for a £200m bailout of EFL clubs.
Culture secretary Oliver Dowden said at the weekend he was "hopeful" that the top flight would step into help the lower leagues, but chairmen are reluctant following the decision to extend the ban on supporters at stadiums.
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