Hungary to allow football fans in stadiums under strict precautions
CGTN
Players compete for the ball in the air during a Hungarian League match between Ujpest FC and Ferencvarosi TC in Budapest, Hungary, May 27, 2020. /VCG

Players compete for the ball in the air during a Hungarian League match between Ujpest FC and Ferencvarosi TC in Budapest, Hungary, May 27, 2020. /VCG

Hungarian football fans will be allowed back to reopened stadiums, but only under strict precautionary measures, the Hungarian Football Federation (MLSZ) said on Thursday.

"Fans can return to the stands if the organizing club decides to take the opportunity and keep certain restrictions and precautions. Spectators can be admitted to football matches again from Thursday, based on the government's decision," MLSZ wrote in a statement published on its website.

"With regard to the stands, the government decree lays down rules for Hungarian clubs. An important element of this is that only one in four chairs can be used. Social distancing has to be kept at all points, especially points of entries, buffets and restrooms," the MLSZ added.

"In order to protect the health of players, the strict regulations and mandatory tests applicable to them will remain in force," the MLSZ underlined.

Players compete for the ball in the air during the Hungarian League match between Ujpest FC and Ferencvarosi TC in Budapest, Hungary, May 27, 2020. /VCG

Players compete for the ball in the air during the Hungarian League match between Ujpest FC and Ferencvarosi TC in Budapest, Hungary, May 27, 2020. /VCG

This means that the so-called sports zone, such as the immediate surroundings of the field, is subject to the same strict regulations as in the past, while only persons whose participation is essential to the match and who possess a recent negative coronavirus test can enter the area.

Hungarian football resumed on May 23, but so far all matches have been held behind closed doors. The first open game is between Kaposvar against ZTE on Friday night.

According to official figures, the total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Hungary stood at 3,816 as of Thursday, with 1,996 recoveries and 509 fatalities.

Source(s): Xinhua News Agency