At a press conference today, the government announced that it has proposed that events with seated audiences should be allowed to take in more than 50 spectators from 1 October. Karl-Erik Nilsson, chairman of the Swedish Football Association, thinks it is a step in the right direction but had hoped for more.
- Of course we had hoped for a more concrete message and a message that was earlier than October 1, Nilsson says to SVT Sport.
Karl-Erik Nilsson believes that football has what it takes to bring in more spectators in an infection-proof way.
- We already have the regulations that are in demand and could start in a safe way much earlier, he says.
"The experience of sports will be different"At present, it is unclear how many spectators there may be at an event with a seated audience. The task of the Public Health Agency is to produce a ceiling for how many people an event is allowed to take in the most.
Although a lot is still unclear, Nilsson is pleased that more people will soon be able to go to sports.
- It is incredibly important, both from a financial perspective but perhaps even more important in the relationship with the fans. The experience of sports will be so different if there is an audience there and it increases the enthusiasm around the match for players and leaders.
The government also announced that they have proposed that sports should receive SEK 1 billion in a new support package.
- Welcome but necessary. Sport means so much, both from a social perspective and a health one. It is positive that the government has listened to sports.