FA announces approval for home fans to return to non-elite football matches in Tier 3 areas... giving non-League fans in Greater Manchester and the North East the green light to watch their teams again
* A return of home fans up to 15 per cent of capacity at non-elite clubs is allowed
* The rules apply to clubs at steps three to six of the National League system
* They will also apply to Women's Football Pyramid and Buildbase FA Vase clubs
* Clubs in tier one and two areas have already been allowed limited fans to return
Non-league clubs competing in tiers seven to 10 of the English football pyramid that are situated in tier-three Covid-restriction areas will be permitted to admit a limited number of fans.
The Football Association has announced it has received approval from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport for such clubs - at steps three to six of the National League system - to accommodate home spectators up to 15 per cent of ground capacity.
The new regulations will also apply to clubs in tiers three to six of the women's football pyramid if they are in tier-three areas, as well as selected Buildbase FA Vase fixtures.
The FA has announced the 'limited' return of home fans of non-elite football clubs. A return of home supporters up to 15 per cent of capacity will now be permitted in Tier three
Clubhouses must remain closed under UK government guidelines on bars, pubs, cafes and restaurants in tier-three areas.
Men's clubs in tier-three areas competing in tiers one to six of the pyramid - from the Premier League down to the National League North or South - must continue to play behind closed doors, along with tier-three sides in the Women's Super League and Championship.
Clubs in tier-one and two areas have already been permitted to accommodate a phased and limited return of spectators.
The news comes after Oliver Dowden said he hopes sports stadiums will be at full capacity by next autumn.
The rules apply to non-league clubs in tiers seven to 10 of the English football pyramid. Men's clubs in tier-three areas in tiers one to six of the pyramid must continue without fans
In tier two areas, up to 2,000 people can attend an outdoor event, something Dowden hopes can be increased 'as rapidly as possible'.
When asked about concerns over whether the Rugby League World Cup would be able to take place in this country in the autumn by Conservative MP for Warrington, Andy Carter, Dowden said: 'We're very much looking forward to it as the main event of 2021. Of course we're working very, very closely indeed with them.
'He's absolutely right to raise the risks around Covid. I very much hope by that point we'll be able to have full return of fans to stadiums, but of course we'll ensure that contingencies are in place.'
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https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/sportsnews/article-9040273/FA-announces-approval-home-fans-return-non-elite-football-matches-Tier-3-areas.html