Chelsea
have told supporters they must provide proof of double vaccination or a
negative Covid test before attending men's and women's home games this
season.
Chelsea made the announcement on Wednesday morning, adding the checks will
be in place in time for their men's team's first home game of the season, a
friendly against Tottenham on August 4.
The club say the plans will ensure only those who are at low risk of
transmitting Covid will be able to enter either Stamford Bridge or
Kingsmeadow.
They added: "This is to increase the safety and comfort of our supporters,
players and staff as we begin hosting capacity crowds for the first time
since March last year."
Chelsea supporters will need to prove their second vaccination took place at
least two weeks before the match they are attending, or provide proof of a
negative lateral flow test taken within 48 hours of the game.
The checks will be carried out by stewards before fans enter the stadium.
Chelsea's move comes just days after PA Media reported that the government
and the Premier League were in talks over proposals that would prevent fans
who are not vaccinated from going to games.
Other reports last week suggested that policy could be in place at all large
sporting venues from the end of September.
Checks similar to Chelsea's were also in place at other sporting events this
summer, including Euro 2020 fixtures at Wembley and The Open in Kent.
Last weekend Football Supporters' Association (FSA) chairman Malcolm Clarke
said making full vaccination mandatory could cause "chaos" at some clubs.
But vaccines minister Naghim Zahawi told the House of Commons that "as a
condition of entry" to spectator sport events "people will need to show that
they are fully vaccinated and proof of (a) negative test will not suffice."
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