The EFL has confirmed 8,000 fans will attend the Carabao Cup final later this month, making it the first English fixture to be played in front of supporters in 2021.
Finalists Manchester City and Tottenham are set to receive an allocation of 2,000 tickets each for the Wembley Stadium showdown on Saturday 25 April – but supporters under the age of 18 will not be allowed to attend.
The remaining 4,000 tickets will be split between NHS staff, to thank them for their work throughout the coronavirus pandemic, and local residents.
Earlier this month, the government’s Events Research Programme selected the Carabao Cup final as a pilot event to “gather insight and evidence to help get big crowds back this summer”.
(Image: REUTERS)
Fans attending the fixture will need to have a Covid-19 test prior to the event, while the EFL welcomed the positive step on the journey to having full stadiums next season.
A statement released on the EFL website states: “With 8,000 people permitted to attend Wembley Stadium on Sunday 25 April (4.30pm), the Carabao Cup Final will be the first football fixture to have club supporters back this year, marking a welcome return for the English professional game.
(Image: PA)
What is your scoreline prediction for the Carabao Cup final? Have your say in the comments.
“The EFL is pleased to participate in the Events Research Programme as we seek a full return of fans to stadia for the start of next season.
“Having worked extensively with authorities, the EFL can confirm that 2,000 tickets will be allocated to each Finalist club (4,000 total) with the remaining allocation split between groups including Brent residents and NHS staff as a thank-you for the unwavering support that has been provided throughout the pandemic.”
The EFL also set out a number of mandatory requirements, adding: “In order to attend the Carabao Cup Final and participate in the UK Government’s ERP, fans will be required to complete a consent form, which will be sent to all those successful in applying for a ticket via clubs.
“Anyone under the age of 18 is not permitted to apply for a ticket to or attend this fixture. Supporters that are clinically extremely vulnerable or pregnant should not apply for tickets to this fixture.
“All match attendees must undertake a lateral flow COVID-19 test 24 hours prior to attending the match and bring proof of a negative result (SMS text message or e-mail) with you to gain entry to the stadium, without exception.”
Sign up to the Mirror Football email here for the latest news and transfer gossip.
