Football fans will need two Covid jabs to attend autumn matches if infection rates are high

Plans are being drawn up that would require football fans to prove they have had two doses of Covid vaccination before they can attend matches from the end of September.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced last night that everyone who wants to go to a nightclub in the autumn will have to be fully vaccinated.

And he indicated that ‘other venues where large crowds gather’ could also be made to adopt the checks.

Sportsmail understands that would include football matches and other sports events. 

If the measure is introduced, Government would be expected to fall back on the previous definition of ‘large crowds’, set out in step three of the roadmap out of lockdown, which was a capacity of 16,000 spectators.

However, the legal requirement on football fans to be vaccinated before they attend games – a negative Covid test would not be enough – would only come into force if coronavirus infections rates, deaths and hospitalisations are high or there are dangerous variants circulating.

Government sees the ability to mandate event organisers, including football clubs, as an additional tool ‘in the locker’ should Covid cases surge and cause serious problems.

Scientists have been encouraged by the results of the early phases of the Events Research Programme, which revealed few infections linked to outdoor sports events.

Results from the latest phase, which included much larger capacities at the Euro 2020 final and semi-finals are yet to be analysed and published.

But, they remain cautious about large gatherings in the autumn and winter, when respiratory infections tend to flourish, if high levels of the virus are circulating. 

While the risk to a supporter sat in their seat watching the game is considered minimal, there is a risk in travelling to matches by public transport and in congested areas within the stadium, including concourses and toilets.

Both the Premier League and EFL are understood to be seeking clarification on last night’s announcement.

The Prime Minister’s willingness to enforce the requirement for Covid vaccinations by law, goes some way to meeting the demands of the Premier League.

It has repeatedly called for the use of Covid Passports to maintain large crowds in the autumn and winter, even if the virus surges, as well as asking for a consistent approach.

However, the top flight, the EFL and other sports have said the passports should include proof of vaccination, but also evidence of a negative test of natural immunity from previous infection, in order to give everyone, the chance to attend the game.

The Prime Minister has taken a tougher line with nightclubs, which have been linked to higher levels of infections in test events.

Mr Johnson, who is self-isolating at Chequers, said: ‘As we said last week, we do reserve the right to mandate certification at any point if it is necessary to reduce transmission.

‘And I should serve notice now that by the end of September – when all over-18s will have had the chance to be double jabbed – we are planning to make full vaccination the condition of entry to nightclubs and other venues where large crowds gather. Proof of a negative test will no longer be enough.’

And a similar approach would be extended to sport, if deemed necessary.

Regardless of any legal requirement for vaccination, Government has already issued extensive guidance to event organisers, including football, on the measures it would like clubs to take now.

One source close to discussions on the return of fans said that ‘if it’s in the guidance, you can expect to see that in football grounds’.

On that basis, fans of Premier League sides can expect Covid Passports, which currently comprise proof of vaccination, a negative test or natural immunity from previous infection; use of face masks and other measures, such as timed entry to stadiums from the first round of matches, which begin August 13.

Government accepts that not all top flight clubs will be ready with all aspects of their Covid plans from that date, but there is satisfaction that the Premier League is working through the issues.

The situation in the EFL is more complicated and unclear, where there are a huge range of capacities.

The EFL season begins on August 7. Clubs will be working with local authorities, including transport officials, emergency services and public health staff, which form local Safety Advisory Group, to set capacity limits as they are required to do for every game.