The Swedish Government and the Public Health Authority (FHM) today gave the go for for Allsvenskan and Superettan to start according to plan on June 14th.
”We are very grateful that the authorities has adopted the protocols we made and that they share our view that we can start playing in the middle of June without contributing to the spread of infection in the society”, says Mats Enquist, CEO at Swedish Professional Football Leagues.
The decision means that the clubs in Allsvenskan and Superettan can run at full speed if they follow the protocols for training and matches that Swedish Professional Football Leagues have jointly developed. All games will be played behind closed doors.
”It will not be an optimal pre-season but it is the same for everyone. This year will be special no matter how you look at it and that is something we all need to accept”, says Mats Enquist.
”The fans and their commitment will be missed. They are the best and the experience in the stadiums will not be the same without crowds but unfortunately it is necessary at this time. Again, we must make the best of the matter, but we will long to fill our stadiums with a world-class atmosphere again. We are grateful that all fans have shown their willingness to accept their responsibility by not contributing to creating public gatherings. There will be a time when we can open up again, let’s stay together until then!”
An important thing in the work to be able to play Allsvenskan and Superettan are the protocols for training and matches that Swedish Professional Football Leagues already has developed to show that football does not contribute to increase the spread of infection in society.
”The corona virus is still among us and this is not over yet. The most important thing is that we all together take responsibility for not contributing to increased spread of infection”, concludes Mats Enquist.
The playing order and game schedule for Allsvenskan and Superettan as well as the remaining games in the Swedish Cup has not yet been determined. Swedish Professional Football Leagues and the Swedish Football Association will return in that matter as soon as they can.
