The World Cup qualifier between Norway and Turkey in March may be in danger – the Norwegian Directorate of Health wants to remove the quarantine exemption for football.
Today, there is an exception in section 6f of the COVID-19 regulations, which applies to football matches under UEFA’s auspices.
Under this exception, players don’t have to quarantine if they test negative on arrival in Norway and carry out corona tests every three days.
The exception also applies to international matches in handball and individual matches “on more detailed terms.”
In a new statement, the Norwegian Directorate of Health notes that they want the entire 6f to be deleted and the exception repealed.
“The change in the infection situation in Europe indicates that the exception in 6f should also be tightened,” the Directorate stated.
Norway will play a World Cup qualifier against Turkey at Ullevaal on March 27. The Norwegian Football Association (NFF) has already talked about the possibility of moving the match abroad.
NFF’s general secretary Pål Bjerketvedt told news bureau NTB on Thursday that the decision is still under consideration and that a conclusion could be reached next week.
No quarantine exceptions for World Cup events in Norway?
Furthermore, the Norwegian Directorate of Health does not want the government to grant exemptions from the quarantine provisions to a number of World Cup events in Norway this winter.
Around 30 World Cup races in cross-country skiing, biathlon, and other sports could be affected.
A statement from the Norwegian Directorate of Health states that there is still great concern about the risk of imported infection.
“Based on the current infection situation, we believe there is a significant risk of infection associated with the implementation of top sports events with international participation,” the Norwegian Directorate of Health noted.
“We point out that Europe and Norway are now facing a very demanding and uncertain situation related to the spread of infection and strain on the health service. In addition, there are now at least two new mutated variants of the virus. It could have extensive consequences in the short and long term if no action is taken now,” it is further stated.
If the government follows the Directorate’s recommendation, it will be almost impossible to arrange the international competitions on Norwegian soil in February and March.
Source: #Norway Today
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