Sports happy to accept Covid-19 passports – if they enable capacity crowds to return ASAP

But the Football Association, Premier League, Rugby Football Union and England and Wales Cricket Board, among others, also caution that current social distancing rules will be ‘insufficient to end sport’s Covid financial crisis’.

Test events are being launched over the coming weeks as part of the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown, with the Carabao Cup final, the second FA Cup semi-final and the FA Cup final acting as Wembley pilots for the ‘Covid status certification’ scheme.

Vaccine and testing passports are opposed by a group of cross-party MPs but Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Labour leader Keir Starmer are among several politicians to be told that they are seen as a ‘credible option to enable full venues from June 21 onwards’.

‘The return of fans will give a huge boost to millions who enjoy a day out at a sporting event with their friends and families and be of great benefit to the economy,’ the joint letter says.

‘It is right that every possible action is considered to secure this outcome as soon as possible, but only for as long as an unrestricted return is considered unsafe to fans, matchday staff and the wider public.

‘This includes investigating how a Covid certification arrangement could reduce and then safely remove the requirement for social distancing.

‘There are many issues to be addressed including how the technology would work and its ease of use at major events, for both the attendees and the organisers.

‘All of our sports can see the benefit t