"We're very much looking forward to it as the main event of 2021. He's absolutely right to raise the risks around Covid. I very much hope by that point we'll be able to have full return of fans to stadiums, but of course we'll ensure that contingencies are in place."
Coronavirus restrictions: Sports stadiums to be at full capacity by autumn 2021, hopes Oliver Dowden
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden has said he hopes stadiums in England are at full capacity by next autumn.
A restricted number of fans have been allowed to attend sporting venues since England’s national lockdown ended on 2 December.
A maximum of 4,000 fans are permitted at outdoor events in tier one – the lowest-risk areas.
Professional sport has been previously played behind closed during the coronavirus pandemic.
Since 2 December, 2,000 people have been allowed in tier two areas but none in tier three, while indoor venues in tiers one and two have been permitted a maximum of 1,000 spectators.
When asked by Warrington MP Andy Carter in the House of Commons on Thursday whether the Rugby League World Cup would be able to go ahead in England in October and November 2021, Dowden said:
Meanwhile, the Football Association says it has received government approval for a limited return of home fans in tier three areas, for clubs competing in the National League, women’s football pyramid and the FA Vase.
Attendances will be limited to 15% of ground capacity and bars, pubs, cafes and restaurants at grounds must remain closed unless they offer takeaway or click-and-collect services.
Original article 10.12.20 on the BBC Sport website.
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