Covid, Ligue 1 returns to open all stadiums to 50 percent

In the end, common sense prevailed. Taken aback by the hyperbole of the infections, even the French government had decided to close almost everything. And already at the end of December the limit of five thousand admissions in the stadiums had started. A hard blow for the world of football, brought to its knees not only by the pandemic, but also by the collapse of television rights. The sports world beyond the Alps, however, has been able to move in a compact way, lobbying and inserting an ad hoc amendment in the new law that establishes the entry into force of the super green pass. Thus, for stadiums with more than 5 thousand seats, it will be possible to reach up to 50% of the total capacity.

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In short, the Ligue 1 clubs breathe a sigh of relief, even if the final approval is still awaited, which could be triggered already today. The House gave the green light last week. The Senate approved the amendment on Tuesday, but then changed other points. Thus the parliamentary shuttle took off, with disputes in the committee that slowed down the process. It immediately seemed obvious that the limit for stadiums didn’t make much sense. Especially when on 4 January, in the French Cup, in Lens the public authorized to watch the match against Lille was concentrated in a single stand, which automatically turned into a bedlam. So much for distancing and prevention. Thus prompting the Minister of Sport, Roxana Maracineanu, to write to the Football Federation, threatening even more restrictive rules. However, a deputy and a senator immediately intervened and defended in Parliament the proposal from the world of sport to enlarge the capacity according to the size of the facilities. Thus began a dialogue between Cosmos – the Social Council of the Sports Movement -, the Olympic Committee and the various ministries. And in the end, the exception was developed which provides precisely, for stadiums with more than 5,000 seats, to accommodate an additional number of spectators, up to 50% of the overall capacity of the facility.