Title of article :
Let Us Let the Spectators Back in!
Author/Authors :
Hassanmirzaei, Bahar 1Sports Medicine Research Center - Neuroscience Institute - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran , Seif Barghi, Tohid Department of Sports and Exercise Medicine - School of Medicine - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran
Abstract :
COVID-19 has stricken the world since the beginning of 2020. The pandemic is not controlled yet, and also the new variants of the
virus are rapidly spreading. To reduce the virus’s person-to-person transmission rate, health authorities and the government applied
limitations to all activities (including sports activities). As a result, all football matches and team training worldwide were
suspended for a limited period until a reduced infection risk was recognized. Even though training and competitions were gradually
resuming worldwide, no spectators were allowed to attend any matches. After the successful experience of resuming football
matches and tournaments following tight restrictions in keeping the players, staff, and organizers safe, it is time to let the spectators
back in the stadiums and establish the needed guidelines. This commentary will highlight the most important aspects and issues
that need to be addressed if the football federation and associations decide to let the spectators back into the stadiums, as football
will lose its enthusiasm and financial turnover.
Keywords :
Soccer , Spectators , COVID-19 , SARS-CoV-2
Journal title :
Asian Journal of Sports Medicine