EFL step in on spectator ban in Wales

Saturday, 8 January 2022, 9:59
1 min read

The EFL has stepped in as Swansea City, Cardiff City and Newport County are all forced to face up to football behind closed doors for the time being with the league writing to the Welsh government via Vaughan Gething.

A report – by BBC Wales – says that EFL CEO and former Swans Chairman Trevor Birch has stated that Welsh clubs are at a disadvantage as there are no similar restrictions for their English counterparts.

Birch estimates that there is a lost revenue of around ยฃ400,000 for every game that is played behind closed doors and whilst this hasn’t yet impacted the Swans we will this afternoon play the first of those closed doors fixtures when we entertain Southampton i the FA Cup.

The BBC report that the letterย also points to additional economic losses incurred by local businesses who rely on the custom of fans of the clubs.

Birch says the EFL and its clubs have taken health protection seriously and have promoted the health and well-being of all involved in the competition.

The report concludes “Given the EFL is keen to see all its member clubs compete under the same conditions, Birch has asked the Welsh government to “consider the easing of the current restrictions for elite sport to pre-Omicron levels” when the measures are considered again next week.

“But ahead of that review, he is keen for the EFL and the three clubs to meet with the Welsh government “alleviate any concerns” over fans attending games, while also discussing “additional practical and financial support” which could be provided while clubs are playing behind closed doors.”

The BBC have yet to receive a response from the Welsh government.

Images courtesy of Getty Images, Athena Picture Agency and Swansea City Football Club.

Phil Sumbler

Been watching the Swans since the very late 1970s and running the Planet Swans website (in all its current and previous guises since the summer of 2001 As it stood JackArmy.net was right at the forefront of some of the activity against Tony Petty back in 2001, breaking many of the stories of the day as fans stood against the actions where the local media failed. Was involved with the Swans Supporters Trust from 2005, for the large part as Chairman before standing down in the summer of 2020.

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