Servette supporters will soon be able to find their way back to the Geneva stadium. But it will be necessary to go there masked.
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Swiss football, like ice hockey, has received the green light to reopen its doors more widely to the public. From the 1is October and subject to cantonal authorizations, clubs will be able to accommodate a number of spectators equivalent to two-thirds of the seats in their enclosure. The news, announced Wednesday by Alain Berset, can obviously be described as excellent for treasurers, supporters and players. “It is also a big responsibility for the organizers”, warned the Federal Councilor, mentioning the need to ensure precise tracing of people and to set up a rigorous protection concept. Wearing a mask will be compulsory and visiting supporters will be prohibited. The sale of alcohol, which some wanted to ban, has been authorized.
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If we except the rare residents of the Super League used to regularly fill their stadium to three quarters, such as St. Gallen or Young Boys, the clubs will – with some exceptions – not to refuse the world. In Geneva in any case, we seem safe, since we could theoretically house up to 18,000 people at La Praille. “It’s a relief, do not hide Felipe Ortiz, vice-president of the garnet club. This will allow us to reconnect with our audience and to commune again with our fans. It is also an economic relief, because the in camera was very penalizing from this point of view. ” Servette, whose “Mr. Covid” is Arnaud Corniot, promises to be “at the forefront” in terms of security measures.
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“We are fully satisfied with this decision”
In Lausanne too, it is time for celebration. “We are fully satisfied with this decision of the Federal Council, as it constitutes a major step forward towards the return to normalcy that we all hope for,” says Vincent Steinmann, communications manager at LS. We are well aware that there are a lot of conditions to be met, but we have been preparing for them for a long time already. We will be ready. ”
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In terms of the security concept, Lausanne-Sport must think twice, since it will leave its old Pontaise for its new Tuilière in early November. “We are of course going to discuss this again with the Canton between now and October 3 and the arrival of Lucerne, but for now, the Pontaise would allow us to accommodate 4,800 people. With a few adjustments, we could perhaps accept 1,000 more, continues Vincent Steinmann. The maximum capacity of La Tuilière should be 6,000 places, but we hope to increase this figure somewhat here too. ”
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This will therefore have to be negotiated with the authorities, while hoping that the epidemiological situation does not deteriorate too much in the weeks to come. Alain Berset also specified that the easing measures announced on Wednesday could be suspended in the event of health necessity. “We are, I believe, the first country to open this type of event so widely to the public,” recalled the Minister of Health. It’s relatively early compared to other countries, which is why we must remain cautious. ”
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Caution, these days, is the watchword. Still, until proven otherwise, Wednesday’s announcement is a huge breath of fresh air for a whole community.
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