Features

Fans to return to Danish football

The Danish Football Association (DBU) has announced that fans will be able to return to club matches in the top three tiers from this week as part of the country’s reopening plan.

The Danish government has given the green light for the country to enter the next phase of its reopening plan from Wednesday. The move will enable clubs in the Danish Superliga to allow spectators in separate sections of their stadia with a maximum of 500 people permitted. Social distancing between seats will be required.

Fans must present a valid COVID-19 passport upon entry to the stadium. Supporters will also be required to register for Denmark’s infection detection scheme.

As well as the top-tier Superliga, the ruling will enable fans to return in the second and third tiers and the Sydbank Cup. The announcement has been made with eight rounds of league fixtures still to be played this season.

The move will also see fans attend the Sydbank Cup final between Randers and SønderjyskE on May 13. The final will be played at Aarhus’ Ceres Park and football-focused full-service provider NewC has announced today (Monday) that it will work with the DBU to handle ticketing for the match.

DBU director Jakob Jensen said: “We would like to thank the government and the parties to the agreement for looking at football’s path. It is very gratifying that we can now get spectators back in the stadium, and that the assembly ceiling will be increased in the next reopening of Denmark.

“Football is not the same without spectators. Therefore, I am very happy that it will now be possible to get fans back to the stadium. It is crucial for the football communities.”

A limited number of fans were permitted for some Superliga matches last season, with Danish football having been one of the trailblazers in Europe for the safe return of spectators following COVID-19. Matches have been held behind closed doors recently but this will change from Wednesday.

Last month, Danish Culture Minister Joy Morgensen confirmed that Copenhagen’s Parken Stadium (pictured) would be able to welcome at least 11,000 fans for matches at this summer’s UEFA European Championships.

The stadium is home to Superliga club FC Copenhagen and has a capacity of 38,000. It is due to host four matches at Euro 2020 and there remains a possibility that more than 11,000 fans could be allowed if COVID-19 infection rates drop and the vaccination roll-out continues.

Image: Leif Jørgensen/CC BY-SA 4.0/Edited for size