The European Football Association (UEFA) has decided to allow stands filled to 30% of capacity in the Champions League, Europa League, and international matches.
The Norwegian Football Association is happy about the decision, and competition director Nils Fisketjønn confirmed to Eurosport that there will be 200 Norwegian fans in the stands in the important match against Serbia next week.
The same number can attend the Nations League match against Romana, while 600 spectators are allowed to see the match against Northern Ireland on October 14.
“First of all, this is very good. We have all missed the audience. UEFA had a test with spectators during the Super Cup between Sevilla and Bayern Munich. It has obviously been successful. They are clear that this must follow national regulations. That means 200 spectators for us,” Fisketjønn told Eurosport.
UEFA has made it clear that away supporters will not be allowed. Social distance must also be practiced, and local infection control requirements must be respected.
Pilot project
So far during the pandemic, all international matches and matches in the European Cup tournaments have been played without spectators at the behest of UEFA, even when local health authorities were open to having spectators.
The Super Cup match in Budapest last week was an exception, with 15,180 spectators that got to see Bayern Munich beat Sevilla.
This was UEFA’s pilot project to test the infection control protocol for spectators, and after an evaluation, the association has now come to the conclusion that it would allow public spectators at this autumn’s matches – if national authorities allow it.
Change of heart
On Tuesday, the Norwegian Football Association announced that all of this autumn’s international matches at Ullevaal will be played without spectators, but after Thursday’s UEFA’s decision, they are now open to a small number of spectators at the upcoming important matches.
The match against Serbia on Thursday, October 8, is the semi-final in the Nations League rematch for a European Championship place.
If Norway secures a victory, the final against Scotland or Israel will take place in November.
© NTB Scanpix / #Norway Today
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