SFA requests dispensation for 3,000 fans at Scottish Cup final
May 5 – The Scottish FA has asked for government approval for up to 3,000 fans to attend the Scottish Cup final between Hibernian and St Johnstone on May 22.
Coronavirus
Johnson confirms unlocking of English stadia from May 17
May 11 – British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has confirmed that up to 10,000 fans will be permitted at football matches from May 17 in England, bringing to an end a season, played mostly behind closed doors, on a high note.
Turkish lockdown won’t change Istanbul venue for UCL final, says UEFA
April 30 – European governing body UEFA has said that the Champions League final in Istanbul will go ahead as planned at the end of May despite Turkey’s recent spike in coronavirus cases.
Belgian Pro League calls for stadia to be opened for season ending play-offs
April 23 – The Belgian Pro League have called for the partial reopening of stadiums for the season-ending playoffs, but their requests look unlikely to be met.
Qatar 2022 work on covid vaccination plan for all fans who travel
April 19 – With the 2022 World Cup approaching rapidly and the Covid-19 pandemic still raging around the world, hosts Qatar are seeking coronavirus jabs for all visitors to next year’s global finals.
Conmebol to fight covid with 50,000 vaccines donated by China
April 14 – In an act of football diplomacy, China and pharmaceutical company Sinovac have donated 50,000 doses of their Covid-19 vaccine to Conmebol, with the South American governing body indicating it will inoculate top-flight players around the continent.
Italian legend De Rossi hospitalised
April 4 – Former Italy captain Daniele De Rossi, now the national team’s technical coach, has been admitted to an infectious diseases hospital with pneumonia symptoms after testing positive for coronavirus.
FIFA hands out $45m in loans under covid relief plan, but $1.5bn is available
By David Owen
April 5 – FIFA doled out not far off $50 million of interest-free loans to national associations during the first six months when its covid-19 relief plan was in operation.
Wembley plans series of test events for fan return, with 8,000 set for League Cup final
April 6 – After being empty for more than year because of the coronavirus pandemic, Wembley will welcome 8,000 fans for this month’s League Cup final between holders Manchester City, who are going for a unique quadruple of trophies, and Tottenham Hotspur.
Bubble burst: Wales send three home for covid rule breaking
March 30 – Three of the Welsh squad preparing for tonight’s all-important World Cup qualifier against the Czech Republic have been sent home for breaching Covid-19 rules.
Brazil’s covid chaos forces Rio shutdown as clubs scramble to get games played
March 23 – As the coronavirus pandemic deepens in Brazil, the country’s football competitions have been plunged into chaos with pressure mounting for a complete suspension of the national game.
EFL lobbies for 10,000 fans to attend Man City vs Spurs League Cup final in April
March 23 – Next month’s English League Cup final could become the nation’s first showpiece match in months to be played out in front of a limited number of fans as a test case, according to press reports.
Albania refused fan entry for England qualifier in Tirana
March 22 – Albania has had their request for a limited number of spectators at the World Cup qualifier with England this month turned down by the country’s health ministry due to rising daily cases of coronavirus.
Dutch to trial 5,000 attendance for Latvian World Cup qualifier
March 18 – The Netherlands will allow 5,000 fans to attend their World Cup qualifier against Latvia as part of a study, the Dutch FA (KNVB) has announced.
Tebas targets April for fan return but health minister sceptical
March 18 – La Liga president Javier Tebas believes a limited number of fans will be able to return to Spanish stadiums in April but separate reports that the two Copa del Rey finals the same month could open its gates have received short shrift from the government.