Although postponements of Premier League fixtures due to weather have been rare in recent seasons, football's governing body has a strict set of rules clubs must follow. Several EFL and non-league games have been affected by severe weather in the last 24 hours, and the UK Met Office has issued a yellow warning for snow and ice. As of yet, no top-flight games have been postponed.
If weather poses a risk, clubs must follow procedures regarding contact with match referees and early pitch inspections. The responsibility falls on the match official to decide whether a pitch is safe and suitable to play on. The two main considerations are player safety and the match as a spectacle.
Clubs are advised to contact the match referee at least 48 hours before kick-off if conditions are poor. On matchday, an early pitch inspection takes place to limit disruption for travelling supporters. The referee first speaks to the head ground staff, then inspects the pitch in their boots, using a match ball to check every area.
If there are doubts, the referee discusses solutions with ground staff. If weather deteriorates during a match, the referee may abandon it after consulting the Premier League Match Manager, who liaises with the Match Centre to inform fans via digital channels and broadcasters.
Postponements can also occur for off-pitch reasons, such as safety concerns for supporters. For example, the Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool was postponed on 7 December 2024 due to strong winds and an amber weather warning. A postponement is never taken lightly and is always a last resort.
