This archive report was first published on 21 June 2020.
On June 21, 2020, the French government announced a significant easing of COVID-19 restrictions, allowing up to 5,000 football fans to attend sports events in stadiums when league one resumes on July 11.
The limit will apply to major events in stadiums and concert halls, but the number may increase in the summer. A review of the national epidemiological situation will be carried out in mid-July to determine if further relaxation of restrictions is possible in the second half of August.
French Ligue 1, 2, and rugby's top 14 were halted in April due to the coronavirus outbreak, but the new developments mean that crowds will be allowed to attend League Cup and French Cup finals. The dates for the final matches have not been set, but they are likely to be staged at the end of July.
France has recorded 160,093 positive cases, 29,633 deaths, and 74,312 recoveries so far, with hospitals continuing to record falling admissions since the government began easing lockdown restrictions in May.
Football leagues in other European countries have resumed, including the English Premier League, which restarted on June 17. Germany and Italy have also resumed their leagues.
