Paris (AFP)
The semi-final of the European Rugby Cup between Racing 92 and Saracens, title holders, on Saturday in Nanterre (Hauts-de-Seine), will take place in front of 1,000 spectators in accordance with new government health restrictions, announced on Friday. Ile-de-France club.
"As an extension of the announcements by Olivier Véran, Minister of Solidarity and Health, which were made on Wednesday September 23, 2020 at 7 p.m. and in accordance with the government's decision, Paris La Défense Arena will lower its gauge (from 5,000) to 1,000 spectators ", explained the Ile-de-France club in a press release.
Racing 92 said it "would refund the number of tickets necessary" to reach a tonnage of 1,000 people.
The reduction from 5,000 to 1,000 spectators leads to an additional financial loss of around 30,000 euros for the Paris La Défense Arena, the stronghold of Racing 92, according to the figures provided in the press release.
"In a rugby configuration with 5,000 spectators, Paris La Défense Arena loses between 85,000 and 90,000 euros per match. In a rugby configuration with 1,000 spectators, Paris La Défense Arena loses between 115,000 and 120,000 euros per match", detailed the club. .
A meeting, played behind closed doors, would cause a loss of the order of "150,000 to 170,000 euros" according to Racing 92.
The operating loss of the Arena where Racing 92 operates "is around 28 million euros" since confinement, said the club chaired by businessman Jacky Lorenzetti.
© 2020 AFP