FA announces limited return of spectators to Tier 3 clubs
10th December, 2020
The FA have announced that a limited number of spectators will be able to attend 'non-elite' football matches at clubs in Tier 3 COVID-19 restricted areas after updated advice from the Government.
The Toolstation NCEL has been suspended since the start of last month when fans were not allowed to attend matches in Tier 3 areas and, following today's developments, will now look at when games will start being played again.
Under the new guidelines, clubs in Tier 3 areas would be able to have up to 150 home spectators at their matches whilst those in Tier 1 and 2 areas will continue to be able to admit up to 300 fans.
But, the FA strongly advise that Tier 3 clubs, once risk assessments have been reviewed, should liaise with their respective local authority about their capacity limit before allowing spectators into matches.
All clubs must continue to follow the respective procedures and guidelines set out by the FA and the Government.
Buildbase FA Vase matches are also covered by the new guidelines.
The full statement released by the FA is as follows:
The FA has today received approval from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) for a limited return of home spectators to be permitted at clubs competing in the National League System (NLS), Women’s Football Pyramid (WFP) and Buildbase FA Vase if they are situated in Tier 3 areas.
The FA has worked continuously alongside the DCMS, Sports Grounds Safety Authority and leagues to gain approval and clubs competing in Steps 3-6 of the NLS, Tiers 3-6 of the WFP and Buildbase FA Vase that are situated in Tier 3 areas are now permitted to accommodate home spectators up to 15% of their capacity in line with Stage 1 of The FA’s respective guidelines for the NLS or WFP.
A limited return of home spectators up to 15% of capacity will also be permitted in the Buildbase FA Trophy if the fixture is between two ‘non-elite’ clubs (clubs at Steps 3-4 of the NLS) in a Tier 3 area. All fixtures in the Buildbase FA Trophy that involve an ‘elite club’ (clubs at Steps 1-2 of the NLS) in a Tier 3 area must remain behind closed doors in line withthe UK Government’s return to ‘elite’ sport guidance.
Prior to admitting spectators, clubs competing in Steps 3-6 of the NLS, Tiers 3-6 of the WFP, the Buildbase FA Trophy and Buildbase FA Vase which are situated in Tier 3 areas are strongly advised to liase with their respective Local Authority for agreement on capacity limits.
It is extremely important that spectators remain in their household or social bubble in groups of six, do not mix with any other spectator groups, or travel between Tiers to attend fixtures, as enforceable by law. If breaches of spectator limits or social distancing are reported, clubs and leagues may face returning to fixtures being held behind closed doors.
Under UK Government guidelines, bars, pubs, cafes and restaurants in Tier 3 areas must be closed, except to sell by takeaway or click-and-collect, and this remains the case for clubs competing in Steps 3-6 of the NLS, Tiers 3-6 of the WFP, the Buildbase FA Vase and Buildbase FA Trophy with clubhouses in Tier 3 areas.
Clubs competing in Steps 3-6 of the NLS, Tiers 3-6 of the WFP, the Buildbase FA Vase and Buildbase FA Trophy that are situated in Tier 1 or 2 areas remain permitted to accommodate a phased and limited return of spectators if they continue to follow the UK Governments’ latest guidance on COVID-19 and The FA’s respective guidelines for the NLS or WFP.
Regional NLS Feeder Leagues, Tier 7 of the WFP and outdoor grassroots football also remain permitted to accommodate socially-distanced spectators but must follow the UK Government’s ‘rule of six’ and guidance on restrictions in certain tiers.
(Story Source: The FA)