A proposal for a ceiling of 500 people, compared to the current 50, has been investigated by the government and there were hopes that a change could take effect from 1 October.
But after the spread of infection has started to increase again in Sweden, no change will take place, the government announced today.
The decision was received with disappointment and anger from many in sports Sweden, but not from the Swedish Sports Confederation's chairman Björn Eriksson.
- Reducing the spread of infection goes before sports.
It has been valid from day one and still applies.
Therefore, I have respect for the fact that the government is awaiting the decision to allow more audiences, he says in a press release.
- In the sports movement, just as in society as a whole, it is extra important that now we all, leaders, athletes and parents, adhere to and carefully follow the Public Health Agency's recommendations and the guidelines and protocols that the various special sports federations have developed, so that we can gradually open for both audiences and more participants.
"Want to continue to take responsibility"
However, he is clear that this makes it even more important that sport receives great financial help.
- Sports want to continue to take responsibility and our first priority is to contribute to reducing the spread of infection, but the restrictions hit hard, so the government needs to continue to support the sports movement financially, says Björn Eriksson.