- Supporters very unlikely to be allowed on 1 October as planned
- Prime minister pressured to create ‘support package’ for sport
The government is set to pause its plans for the partial return of fans to all sports stadiums on 1 October because of the rapid spike in Covid-19 cases, the Guardian understands. While a decision is yet to be confirmed, sources say that the “mood music” now makes it very unlikely that supporters will be allowed back at a time when greater curbs are being introduced across Great Britain.
The prime minister is also facing growing pressure to avert the looming crisis in professional and grassroots sport, with a letter signed by the leaders of more than 100 sports organisations – including the Premier League, Football Association, Rugby Football Union and UK Athletics – warning of the risk of a “lost generation” of sport and activity if he fails to act.