Spain to allow fans back into stadiums

SPANISH football clubs have been given the green light for fans to return to matches for the final two rounds of fixtures this season in regions with low levels of Covid-19 infections.

Sports minister Jose Manuel Uribes announced that a maximum of 5 000 spectators would be able to attend games in regions with fewer than 50 Covid-19 cases per 100 000 inhabitants, meaning the regions of Valencia and Galicia will be able to welcome supporters back.

“How to pick the spectators will be the clubs’ decision: a lottery, a system rewarding those with most seniority,” Uribes said. “This is a first step with a view to many more – the key for us was to begin again.”

Health minister Carolina Darias added that other teams could be allowed to host supporters if their region’s infection rate drops to below 50 per 100 000.

She said only supporters of the home team could attend matches, adding they would be required to wear face masks and would have to take a temperature check before entering the stadium.