Low-infection areas could see return of fans ‘next month’

THE government is exploring the possible return of fans to sports venues in some parts of England as early as next month.

The BBC last night reported that, according to sources, Prime Minister Boris Johnson privately indicated to MPs on Monday that re-opening turnstiles as soon as possible was “a personal priority”. The Department of Media, Culture and Sport is now working on allowing fans into stadia in areas where infection rates are deemed sufficiently low - possibly before Christmas, the BBC said.

Sports had previously been told to brace themselves for having no crowds until April after the autumn’s rise in infections halted previous plans for a return of fans by October.

Meanwhile, the Government has held what it called “constructive” talks with football leaders around governance, finances and diversity.

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden met virtually with representatives of the men’s and women’s professional games and fans’ groups yesterday, and said further talks will continue.

“Constructive conversation with football leaders on governance and getting fans back,” he wrote on Twitter. “I want to work together with football to make progress on important issues for the game’s long-term future.

“Discussions to continue as we start our fan-led review of governance.”

The fan-led review was a Conservative party manifesto commitment and Dowden last month hailed the wisdom of such a review when Project Big Picture proposals became public.

He described PBP as a “distraction” from the Premier League providing financial help to cash-strapped clubs in the EFL.

There is still no formal deal over a package, though the EFL last week welcomed talks to finalise £50million of grants and loans for League One and Two clubs.

Dowden’s tweet did not reference a new target date for the return of spectators.