The Italian Government released a statement warning they won’t open stadiums to 75 per cent capacity until March 1, with no date set for allowing a full house.
There were reports this afternoon suggesting the discussions planned for Serie A open-air arenas to reach 75 per cent from next week, with the idea to rapidly reach 100 per cent by the start of March.
However, seeing the enthusiasm spread, the Government released a statement from Undersecretary for Sport Valentina Vezzali and Minister for Health Roberto Speranza.
The statement handed to news agency ANSA warned they were working on a “gradual process” towards 100 per cent “if the epidemiological situation continues a downward trend.”
Rather than the dates given, instead the stadiums will not open up to 75 per cent until at least March 1, and even that is not a guarantee at this moment.
That means the Champions League first leg fixtures will be at maximum 50 per cent capacity, a huge financial blow for the clubs involved and an irritant for those wishing to travel for these games.
Football clubs have grown increasingly frustrated with the Government’s approach to this situation, especially as only those who are fully vaccinated and wearing a medical-grade mask at all times can enter the open-air stadium.
In comparison, the recent Sanremo music festival that concluded its five-night run on Saturday was opened up to 100 per cent capacity, despite the fact it is an indoor theatre.
Unlike other countries, the Italian Government has never opened sports stadiums back up to full capacity since the original lockdown in March 2020.
NOTA – Il ministro della Salute, Roberto Speranza, e la sottosegretaria allo Sport, Valentina Vezzali stanno lavorando congiuntamente ad un percorso graduale che prevede la riapertura a capienza massima degli impianti sportivi all’aperto ed al chiuso
— Daniele Mari (@marifcinter) February 8, 2022
Pathetic reaction from the politicians/government ministers.
Ridiculous when San Remo was (rightly) allowed at 100% indoors but football stadiums cannot have more than 50% capacity outdoors.
What is wrong with these people? They must be crazy. The crowd must go to the streets to show their opinion.
Federal gvt should not be involved in sports. It is a local issue.
This is just ridiculous. Why do Italian politicians always do things backwards??? Stadiums should be open at 100% Its gut wrenching to watch a Derby or a CL game without full capacity. They got to change this.