Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden hopes sports stadiums will be at FULL capacity by the autumn

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden says he hopes sports stadiums will be at full capacity by next autumn.

Small numbers of spectators returned to venues in England from December 2 after the introduction of the Government’s regional tier system to tackle the spread of coronavirus.

In tier two areas, up to 2,000 people can attend an outdoor event, something Dowden hopes can be increased ‘as rapidly as possible’.

When asked about concerns over whether the Rugby League World Cup would be able to take place in this country in the autumn by Conservative MP for Warrington, Andy Carter, Dowden said: ‘We’re very much looking forward to it as the main event of 2021. Of course we’re working very, very closely indeed with them.

‘He’s absolutely right to raise the risks around Covid. I very much hope by that point we’ll be able to have full return of fans to stadiums, but of course we’ll ensure that contingencies are in place.’

The tournament is due to begin on October 23.

Jon Dutton, chief executive of the Rugby League World Cup 2021, tols Sportsmail: ‘We have always been working towards a tournament where as many spectators as possible are able to attend matches across the 21 venues. 

‘The recent successful ticket sales demonstrate that both core and new fans share our positivity, excitement and desire to attend the event.

‘We are grateful for all support we receive from the Government at every level and for sharing our vision to deliver the biggest and best Rugby League World Cup in history when the men’s, women’s and wheelchair tournaments will take place simultaneously.’

Before that, the UK will hold a number of major events including matches in the rescheduled Euro 2020 tournament in London and Glasgow, plus Wimbledon and international men’s and women’s cricket series.

Government has not set a timescale for the return of more fans to stadiums. However, with the development of mass testing for the coronavirus and the beginning of a national vaccination programme, there is hope that test events with up to 10,000 could happen in the New Year.

UEFA has said it is planning for different scenarios in all of Euro 2020’s host cities. 

In statement the football body said: ‘UEFA together with the 12 host cities is currently working on four operational scenarios for UEFA EURO 2020 (full stadium; 50-100% capacity with various mitigation measures; 20-30% capacity with various mitigation measures; and behind closed doors).

‘Each host city will together with UEFA select two-three scenarios and develop plans accordingly in the coming weeks and a decision on which scenario will be applied individually in each city during the tournament will be made in March 2021.’ 

Another Conservative MP for Lincoln, Karl McCartney, had earlier asked him about plans to increase numbers at venues, pointing out that the current levels did not end the concerns clubs and fans have.

‘First of all, I’m pleased about the deal that has been reached between the Premier League and the EFL – £250million which I am confident will secure the game through to the end of the season,’ Dowden added.

‘Of course we want (venues) to reopen as rapidly as possible. The first important step for somewhere like Lincolnshire is to get out of tier three, into tier two and then tier one, and you’ll see more fans able to attend as we go through that process.’

Up to 4,000 spectators are permitted in tier one, but only a tiny fraction of England is currently in this lowest-risk category.