The Ministry of Health has allowed playing international matches with spectators

11.09.2020 16:00

Photo by Pavlo Kubanov

In response to the UAF request, the Minister of Health of Ukraine Maksym Stepanov confirmed the possibility of holding international club matches and matches of national teams with fans in «green» and «yellow» zones.

The Minister's response, in particular, states: “The Ministry of Health of Ukraine has considered the letters of the Ukrainian Association of Football dated 18.08.2020 №1000 regarding the holding of football matches. Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine of 22.05.2020 № 641 "On the establishment of quarantine to prevent the spread of acute respiratory disease COVID-19 caused by coronavirus SARS-CoV-2" provides for the possibility of mass, including sports events, taking into account the established level of epidemic danger and established anti-epidemic measures.

When holding matches in regions with a "green" or "yellow" level of epidemic danger, compliance with the requirements for the stay of 1 person per 5 square meters must be ensured.

Matches held on the territory of administrative-territorial units, where the "orange" and "red" levels of epidemic danger are established, should take place with the participation of no more than 220 people and no more than one person per 10 square meters.

Additionally, anti-epidemic measures are established by the resolution of the Chief State Sanitary Doctor of Ukraine dated 03.09.2020 № 51 "On amendments to anti-epidemic measures during football matches among professional football clubs for the period of quarantine due to the spread of coronavirus COVID-19". In particular, it is recommended to organize ticket sales and distribution of spectators by sectors of the podium in such a way that there is no congestion, to ensure the admission of spectators to sectors no more than 25 percent of fans from the number of fans that can accommodate the sector so as to ensure , sideways, diagonally.

Given the above and based on the analysis of the epidemic situation in Ukraine, the experience of European countries that allow spectators to watch football matches, the Ministry of Health of Ukraine considers it possible to partially involve spectators in football matches between professional football clubs (including international matches) and national teams in compliance with established anti-epidemic measures and restrictions. "

Andrii Pavelko: "We are doing everything possible for both national teams and clubs to receive the support of the stands in the near future"

President of the Ukrainian Association of Football, the UEFA Executive Committee member Andrii Pavelko commented on the letter of the head of the Ministry of Health and expressed confidence that the support of spectators will help our teams in important matches:

- For the last month and a half we have managed to return the spectators to the stands in the UPL, First and Second league matches where the epidemiological situation allows. The next step is the return of fans to the international matches of our clubs and national teams. This also requires a separate decision of the Ministry of Health. After lengthy consultations, we sent a request and received a positive response from Minister Maksym Stepanov.

Now we are waiting for a successful test match with the spectators for the UEFA Super Cup, which will take place in Budapest on September 24. If all goes well, which we all very much hope for, the most likely next step is for UEFA to agree with the national associations to host European Cup matches and national team matches. Provided that the epidemiological situation in the country allows it and there is a corresponding decision of the authorities.

Now our clubs Shakhtar, Dynamo, Zorya, Desna and Kolos are preparing for their first matches in the European Cups of the 2020/2021 season, and the prospect of performances in the Champions League and Europa League with the support of the stands is very important for them. important. Active support of fans is extremely important for our national teams as well. First of all, for the main team, which will play two extremely difficult matches against Germany and Spain on October 10 and 13 at the NSC Olimpiiskyi. Therefore, we are doing everything possible to ensure that both the national teams and our clubs receive this support in the near future, and our fans can enjoy their favorite football in the stadiums again!