In Wales, festive sport is held behind closed doors
As the Welsh government continues its struggle against COVID-19’s Omicron version, festive sports in Wales will be held behind closed doors.
The limits, which will affect all levels of sport in Wales, will begin on December 26 and will end on an undetermined date. The United Rugby Championship (URC) match between Cardiff and Scarlets on that day will be the first significant match disrupted. Vaughan Gething, the Welsh economy minister, announced a £3 million fund to assist clubs and events.
The Welsh Grand National, which takes place on December 27 in Chepstow, will similarly be held without spectators.
The limits will apply to all levels of sport in Wales, including semi-professional, grassroots, and elite, and it is understood that the restrictions will be in effect until at least Friday, January 7th.
Cardiff City’s Boxing Day match against Coventry City, as well as Ospreys v Dragons in the URC, have already been cancelled.
Newport County’s League Two match against Forest Green Rovers has been postponed due to COVID, as has Cardiff City’s Championship match, although Wrexham will host Solihull Moors in the National League.
On Boxing Day, the Cymru Premier League will host six games, including some derbies, with clubs anticipating higher gate revenues.
In sport, the Bluebirds’ lack of home fixtures until their FA Cup match against Preston North End on Sunday, January 9 means that no fans through the turnstiles will damage their finances.
In the meantime, Swansea will play Luton Town and Fulham without gates before hosting Premier League Southampton in the FA Cup on January 8th.
During the holiday season, the Cardiff Devils ice hockey team has two home games that must be played without supporters.
After meeting with Vaughan Gething, the Welsh government’s minister of economy, on Monday evening, Welsh sporting groups and clubs were notified of the decision.
It happened after announcements that games at the EFL level would proceed despite recent cancellations due to COVID cases among squads.
