The French government announced on Saturday that stadia in France will be open to the fans on July 11 as the country moves to ease measures imposed to minimise the spread of Covid-19.
However, only a maximum of 5,000 fans will be allowed into the stadia, a restriction that could be eased later in the summer with the new season set to resume in on the weekend of August 22.
The French Ligue 1 was ended prematurely in April. The French Cup and the League Cup finals could now be played with fans. The fans will also be able to watch their teams play pre-season friendlies.
A government statement read: “As with performance halls, activities involving more than 1500 people must be declared, so that the necessary precautions can be guaranteed.
“The maximum capacity of 5000 people for major events, stadiums and performance halls is in principle in force until 1 September. A new review of the national epidemiological situation will be carried out in mid-July to decide whether a relaxation is possible for the second part of August.”
The French Football Federation (FFF) is hoping the 5000 figure may be eased sooner than September, with reports this week saying the Coupe de France final, postponed from April, is rescheduled for July 24.
Paris Saint-Germain is due to face Saint-Etienne at Stade de France, with a capacity of 80,000.
FFF president Noel Le Graet welcomed the government’s move and called it “an important step in the organisation of upcoming games”.
“These new provisions allow us to envisage opening even more widely for spectators regarding the men’s Coupe de France final at the end of July, the Coupe de la Ligue final, the semi-finals and final of the women’s Coupe de France at the start of August, as well as the return of Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 at the end of August,” he said.
“The FFF executive committee will meet on Monday June 22 to consider the new measures and the upcoming calendar.”
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