PLAN FOR 2,000 LOCALS AT SEMI
THE FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley could see the return of crowds – but they may not be fans.
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden has confirmed the start of a trial programme and it is likely to be for just one of the two ties next month, with potentially as few as 2,000 allowed in.
It will be classed as a test event rather than the return of fans, which means it is likely to be local residents in attendance under strict coronavirus guidelines.
Government officials are still talking to the FA and Brent Council with full details and a list of events due to be confirmed later this week.
Chelsea play Manchester City on Saturday April 17 while Leicester face Southampton the following day.
It is understood Brent Council is being very cautious about a sudden influx of supporters into its borough while the Government is keen to pave the way for fans to return, so there may yet be some push back. It is hoped if the first test event goes well then the Carabao Cup final between City and Tottenham on April 25 could have more than 4,000 spectators at Wembley, building up to 10,000 for the FA Cup final on May 15.
Premier League clubs want fans in for the last two rounds of this season’s fixtures and are hoping stadiums will be full from the start of next term.
UEFA want to see limited crowds even before legal restrictions are lifted in England on June 21. Local safety groups are planning one-way filter systems at Wembley and want to see if people
maintain social distancing. There may also be a need for vaccination passports and Covid tests.
Dowden said: “We want to make it as simple as possible for people. That’s why we are conducting these pilots. The plan is to look at factors like one-way systems, ventilation within a stadium and how you interact in terms of getting to and from the venue.”
The Premier League have recorded just one positive coronavirus case in the latest round of testing – the lowest weekly figure of the season where two tests have been carried out.