December 18 – Potentially as many as 12,000 fans could be allowed into the Al Janoub stadium in Qatar on Saturday to watch the AFC Champions League final between Iranian giants Persepolis and South Korea’s Ulsan Hyundai.
This would be the first time since the tournament was suspended in March when the Covid-19 pandemic struck that spectators have been allowed into a stadium for a AFC Champions League match.
The decision does not apply to travelling spectators due to the Covid-19 quarantine restrictions and regulations in Qatar
Tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis with all spectators required to undergo the Covid-19 Antigen Test before Saturday’s kick-off. Only those who produce negative results will be allowed into the stadium.
Organisers said they will stagger the arrival and exit times of supporters to avoid crowding as well as issue reminder signs and regular announcements to emphasise the need for physical distancing and maintaining personal hygiene.
The organisers are following similar protocols to the local football league in Qatar that allows spectators up to 30% of the stadium capacity.
Similar measures allowed 1,044 physically distanced fans into the stadium for the Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 Asian Qualifiers Group E match between Qatar and Bangladesh earlier this month.
While travelling fans won’t be allowed to buy tickets, they will still be represented in the stadium with more than 3,000 cardboard cutouts. The local organisers report an overwhelming response to an invitation for fans to submit their photographs for inclusion.
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