In France, stadiums will soon be allowed to be full again. This was announced by French Prime Minister Jean Castex on Monday. Most recently, 5,000 spectators had been allowed.
To slow the spread of the omicron variant, 5,000 tickets per major event had been allowed in France since 3 January and until 1 February, regardless of stadium capacity and regional incidence. As of 2 February, this is now set to change again.
“All facilities, sporting and cultural, that host seated audiences will be allowed to return to full capacity, without restriction – if they take into account the wearing of the mask,” French Prime Minister Jean Castex announced on Monday. From the 23rd matchday, which is scheduled to run from 4 to 6 February, all available tickets may then be offered again for the time being.
From 16 February, the consumption of food and drink will again be permitted in France’s stadiums – with 3G and mandatory masks. This Friday, the 7-day incidence in France is around 3,500.
Stadium utilisation: the situation in Europe
In Germany it was decided on 21 December last year that no spectators would be allowed at major sporting events from 28 December. There are exceptions – from 250 spectators allowed in North Rhine-Westphalia to 5,000 in Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein, taking into account the 2G-Plus regulation. The corona incidence in this country is currently around 700 on average nationwide.
In the English Premier League there is still no restriction on stadium capacity, the 3G rule applies. While numerous matches had to be cancelled due to Corona cases in players, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced to suspend the mask requirement from next Thursday. The 7-day incidence in the UK is currently around 950, but experts say the peak of the omicron wave has passed.
In spanish La Liga, the Ministry of Health had decided on 28 December to operate stadiums at only 75 per cent of their capacity. The corona incidence here is currently around 1,930.
The clubs of the Serie A agreed on 9 January 2022 to allow a maximum of 5,000 fans into a stadium. This restriction will apply from 15 January to 5 February this year. In addition, no guest fans are allowed during this period. At the end of December 2021, the government had still decided on a limit of 50 per cent of the stadium capacity, which had previously been 75 per cent. The incidence in Italy is currently around 2,100.
