Fans are still not allowed at the stadiums, says PSL

The Premier Soccer League (PSL) has responded to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s comment that it might be possible to allow a limited number of fans to attend upcoming league matches.

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Ramaphosa’s comment during his address to the nation last week, raised hopes amongst the football supporters who have been longing to return to the stadiums following a long ban due to the coronavirus restrictions.

Those hopes were further raised higher when the South African Football Association (Safa) announced earlier this week that a limited number of fully vaccinated fans will be allowed to attend next Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier between Bafana Bafana and Ethiopia.

However, in a statement published on Wednesday, the PSL said “the new Disaster Management Act regulations continue to prohibit spectators at matches”.

The PSL statement:

There have been suggestions, after the President’s address on Thursday 30 September 2021, that it might be possible to allow a limited number of spectators to attend upcoming PSL matches.

Unfortunately, the new Disaster Management Act regulations continue to prohibit spectators at matches.

Section 69(10) of the regulations requires “strict adherence” to the provisions which have limited those permitted at matches to persons strictly necessary for the match.

Sub-section 69 (10) (d) expressly confirms that “no spectators are allowed at the venue of the sports match” and subsections 12 and 13 make attendance (and permitting attendance) a criminal offence.

It is important that all PSL supporters and fans understand this.

The League Covid-19 protocol and the process which regulates the persons who are permitted to attend matches will remain in place until such time as there are new regulatory changes.

Meanwhile, Safa president Danny Jordaan has welcomed the Sports Ministry’s decision to allow fans to return to the stadiums, saying the new initiative to let vaccinated fans back to the stadiums will help the government’s drive to get many South Africans vaccinated.

“We had a great meeting with the Department of Health who will on Thursday guide the way in how we will achieve this, and do it in a manner that we all still remain safe. It will be marvel to see fans back in the stands,” said Jordaan.