One
of the upcoming FA Cup semi-finals could be used as football's first test
event with a crowd, once lockdown restrictions are eased.
Sky Sports News has confirmed reports that Government ministers are expected
to opt for either Leicester City against Southampton, or Chelsea against
Manchester City to have up to 4,000 people in attendance in mid-April.
Neither of the fixtures would allow supporters of any of the teams involved
to attend, while several other sporting events also remain as options.
Sky Sports News has been told that the FA is still in intensive talks with
government and local authorities to make sure the FA Cup Final on May 15 can
have a crowd of up to 20,000 - that is a key milestone in the hopes of
England hosting all of its allocated games in Euro 2020, which starts four
weeks later.
UEFA have set all prospective host countries a deadline of April 7 to
confirm that their venues will be able to host some fans for all of their
matches in the tournament.
As of yet there been no comment from the FA, it is understood talks are
ongoing over whether Wembley's doors could also be open for the FA Cup
semi-finals; no decisions have been taken, and the makeup of any crowd is
still to be decided.
Much depends on factors outside of the FA's control, and crucially - it will
be the government's decision about when and how crowds will be allowed back
into sporting events, as they continue to monitor the risk-factors
associated with Covid-19.
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