This archive report was first published on 31 July 2020.
On July 31, 2020, the Premier League's chief executive, Richard Masters, hinted at a potential solution to bring fans back to football stadiums: clinical passports.
Following the successful resumption of the 2019/20 Premier League season behind closed doors, Masters emphasized the importance of finding a solution to allow fans to watch their teams again.
"We are also willing to see how we can support the development of 'clinical passports' — an app-based system that looks at all symptoms and other COVID-19 contributing factors," Masters wrote in a column for The Times.
The Premier League is considering various measures to ensure a safe return of fans, including ticketing solutions, stadium seating allocation, timed entries, temperature checks, and in-seat food and drink services.
Additionally, the league is working with local councils to address transport challenges, such as introducing additional car parking and secure bicycle spaces, and implementing park-and-walk schemes.
Masters stressed the significance of fans' return, not only for team performance but also for the financial impact on clubs and their surrounding communities.
However, he urged patience, acknowledging that finding a solution will take time and requires testing and collaboration with authorities.
Recent sports events in England have seen a limited number of fans in attendance, including a cricket match at The Oval, the snooker world championship, and the Glorious Goodwood racing Festival.
