Government considers surprise move to allow football fans into Premier League and Football...

[ASFN Admin]

Downing Street is considering a surprise blueprint to fast-track small groups of fans back at Premier League and Football League grounds by Christmas as part of post-lockdown restrictions. Four-figure crowds in low-risk areas are thought to be the most likely option for ministers, who are seriously considering opening up terraces for the first time in nine months as part of a new tier system. Proposals being considered by No 10 following briefings with the Cabinet Office and the Department of Culture, Media and Sport would initially apply on a pilot basis to tier 1 areas, but could eventually include tier 2. Football leaders are yet to be fully briefed on the plans, but Whitehall sources confirmed proposals were being considered after Boris Johnson told Northern MPs earlier this week that "we will work to have the crowds come back" after Dec 2. Such an announcement would mark a dramatic and unexpected shift in Government policy for a sporting industry that has been starved of matchday revenue since March. Government pilots to get spectators back were suspended twice in late summer, before being completely wiped out by the second wave of Covid-19. The return of crowds would most likely be in line with those pilot schemes, which initially planned for fewer than 1,500 at venues. However, Whitehall sources are hopeful crowds can be quickly scaled up, potentially with the roll out of digital passports and rapid testing kits at grounds. The Government is keen to ease resentment in sport after arts venues such as the London Palladium, Albert Hall and O2 were given permission to sell tickets for up to 5,000 spectators last month. The Football Supporters' Association said the policy had "zero logic". "I accept people's frustration at the inconsistency there," Mr Dowden told the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee last month. However, public health experts have repeatedly expressed concerns that football crowds are a higher risk to local areas as they travel in bigger numbers, and often drink in surrounding streets before and after matches. The potential return of crowds comes despite Downing Street expressing fresh annoyance after football leaders told ministers the Premier League is still yet to agree upon a final rescue package for the EFL. The Government had been expecting a saga, now stretching back months, to be resolved as 20 figures within the game gathered for a meeting with Mr Dowden. However, during the video conference on Tuesday morning, both competitions recognised an agreement, while close, was still yet to be finalised. While Mr Dowden later described the wide-ranging talks as "constructive", saying discussions would continue "as we start our fan-led review of governance", the Prime Minister's official spokesman expressed frustration. "We've been clear that we've expected football to support itself and we are disappointed in the lack of progress, particularly, as you've heard me say before, when Premier League clubs have spent over a billion pounds on players in the recent transfer window," the spokesman added. "The PM and Culture Secretary agree that we want to see a deal reach the whole football family. We understand the special place football clubs have in their local communities. That must be protected."

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