FA Cup final may be attended by London fans only

Fans of the big clubs outside London face a potential shut-out for the FA Cup final, as a 20,000-strong crowd pilot could be restricted to predominantly local spectators.

Manchester United, City and Everton were among quarter-finalists licking their lips after the Government announced the final as a test for bigger numbers at Euro 2020. However, senior figures in sport expect the vast majority of attendees on May 15 to come from a regional postcode to mitigate

“unnecessary” travel a month before Covid-19 restrictions are eased fully.

While Whitehall insiders insist all options are being looked at for the final, meetings are due to be held on how to balance risk for the biggest sporting crowd for a year.

An alternative for ministers is to combine a local postcode allocation of neutral spectators with a smaller number of fans tested at their club home venues before being bussed to Wembley. The Government wants to avoid a scenario where, for example, Chelsea could be seen as having an unfair advantage given their closer geographical proximity.

Further crowd pilots are expected to be announced in the next week as ministers finalise plans to welcome back crowds of up to 10,000 at all major outdoor venues from May 17.

Sunday’s announcement that 20,000 would be allowed back for the FA Cup final effectively confirms that the Government is hoping to rapidly scale up numbers from 10,000 from May 17, perhaps in time for England v Scotland at the European Championship on June 18.