EPL clubs hit with more restrictions as UK rolls out vaccines
As fans return to stadiums in Australia – including the largest crowd at a sporting event since the world shutdown in March – football clubs in the United Kingdom deal with a new batch of restrictions.
The restrictions effectively shutter the majority of stadiums from fans – as well as bars and other places where fans usually meet up to watch matches.
The majority of English Premier League fans in the United Kingdom now have to tune in to matches from home and use one of the best online sportsbooks if they want to bet on their favourite clubs and other sports.
Where New Tier 3 Restrictions Apply
The restrictions apply to some of the biggest football clubs in the United Kingdom, including Arsenal – who were one of the few clubs to get some fans in before the latest batch of restrictions – as well as Chelsea, Tottenham, Crystal Palace, Fulham, and West Ham. The addition of the six EPL clubs brings the total to 16 who can currently have no fans in attendance. Only Brighton, Everton, Liverpool, and Southampton may have fans in attendance – and no more than 2000 fans or 50% capacity, whichever is less – and how much longer they are allowed fans is uncertain.
There is currently no end date for the tier 3 restrictions. They are updated every two weeks, but as the holiday period quickly approaches – and people travel to visit family and friends – the restrictions will likely last into 2021. But will they last long enough to handicap the EPL clubs in the Champions League and Europa League?
The Champions League and Europa League Draw
The draw for the Round of 16 in the Champions League and the Round of 32 in the Europa League was finalised on December 14. Seven clubs – four in the Europa and three in the Champions League – face international opponents in the first rounds of the knockout stage in each tournament.
Luckily, for EPL clubs, either tournament resumes until February 2021. The two months between now and the next legs of the tournaments could allow fans to return to the stands. These clubs could use fans in the stands to help them advance further in the tournament, especially if they are playing opponents in other countries who can have fans.
Of course, making the most of your home field advantage is not the only reason to have fans.
The Need for Fans
Unless you are one of the “Big Six” EPL clubs (Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Tottenham), you need fans in the stand to survive financially. Gate sales represent a large portion of profits for most EPL clubs and nearly all the profit for clubs in the lower tiers of English football.
The lack of fans – for a second time – could spell the end for some of the smaller clubs in the lower level.
There is talk of financial support for smaller clubs – with much of it coming from the “Big Six.” However, early negotiations failed – as the remaining 14 EPL considered the deal power grab. However, if the restrictions continue for an extended period, clubs may need to reconsider their positions if they are to survive in 2021.
Other Events Effect by the Restrictions
Football is not the only sport still suffering from stadium and arena restrictions. The 2020 World Darts Championship starts this week but will only have fans in attendance for the first night – before London enters Tier 3 restrictions. Horse racing events on Boxing Day are also limited, and if they move into Tier 3, the races will run without fans.
A few events were lucky to pass before restrictions – including the heavyweight boxing match between Anthony Joshua and Kubrat Pulev and the Autumn Nations Cup final between France and England.
