This Wednesday, October 14, Emmanuel Macron was not unanimous in announcing the establishment of a curfew in Île-de-France and in eight French metropolises. In the process, the Ministry of Sports announced that professional athletes will benefit from an exemption in these areas. Indeed, sports competitions will be maintained. Nevertheless, they will argue behind closed doors if they take place after 9 p.m.
“There will be a possibility of exemption, with or without an audience depending on the time of day,” the ministry was told after Emmanuel Macron’s announcement of the establishment of a curfew to stem the pandemic of coronavirus. This exemption will allow the various championships and competitions to continue: thus, Paris SG should be able to welcome Manchester United on Tuesday as part of the 1re day of the group stage of the Champions League, but this match, scheduled for 9 p.m., would then be played behind closed doors.
Sport put to the test
Asked whether competitions could be brought forward before 9 pm to be able to receive a minimum of spectators, the Ministry of Sports replied that leagues and clubs could “adapt and modify” their organization. Between the cases of Covid, leading to cancellations of matches, such as that between Villeurbanne and the Red Star Belgrade in the Euroleague of basketball, and the limit of spectators to 1,000 in some cities in France, professional sport is put to the test .
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