Talks open on allowing 20,000 fans into Wembley for FA Cup final

Wembley calling?

March 15 – Talks are under way to allow up to 20,000 fans – around a quarter of capacity at Wembley – at this season’s FA Cup final as one of the pilot events for the large-scale return of spectators in the wake of the coronavirus. 

Last month the British government announced that up to 10,000 people could be allowed in stadiums for sporting events if the pilots are successful, but not before May 17. However, the FA Cup final on May 15 could still see a larger crowd attend.

“These test events will be crucial in finding ways to get fans and audiences back in safely without social distancing,” said culture secretary Oliver Dowden. “We will be guided by the science and medical experts, but will work flat out to make that happen.

“We want to get the people back to enjoying what they love and ensure some of our most important growth industries get back on their feet.”

The English Premier League plans to have fans in grounds at the final two rounds of the season by moving one round to May 18-20 before the scheduled final round of games on May 23.

The English Football League, meanwhile, says it is “engaging” with the government over the potential for a small number of fans to attend the Carabao Cup final at Wembley on 25 April.

The success and safety of readmitting these numbers of fans will provide a pathway of data to further increases in attendances for the Euro 2020 finals to be hosted at Wembley in June/July.

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