The return of fans next season to the stadiums of the Spanish football league has been set at 40% of the venues' capacity, with mandatory wearing of masks to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, as announced by the Spanish Minister of Health on Wednesday. Carolina Darias stated at a press conference, "We will allow 40% as maximum capacity in open-air stadiums and 30% in closed stadiums, always ensuring social distancing of 1.5 meters between individuals."
The Minister of Health pointed out that "preference" for entry into the stadiums will be given to "subscribers," meaning season ticket holders, and "local fans" to minimize crowd movement. She added that wearing masks will be "mandatory" in all stadiums, and eating, drinking, and smoking will be prohibited.
A detailed statement from the ministry noted that it is preferable to conduct training without fans; if teams decide otherwise, they must adhere to the maximum allowed capacity of 40% for training venues. These measures will come into effect starting from August 13, when the Spanish league resumes its activities, with a review scheduled for the 29th.
These measures constitute a "common minimum agreement" between the state and Spanish cities, which can impose stricter measures if they wish, such as reducing the maximum number of fans or even closing stadiums to them. Spain has been facing a new wave of coronavirus infections since the beginning of the summer, leading many regions, including Catalonia (northeast of the country), to reimpose restrictions, including a curfew in Barcelona and prohibiting gatherings exceeding ten people.
