In order to prevent the spread of the coronavirus within the population, the Pro League has introduced a smoking ban during D1A, D1B and Belgian Cup matches.
The association of Belgian professional football clubs announced it on Tuesday. The ban on smoking in stadiums will apply from October 16.
“The smoking ban was introduced because removing the mask for smoking is not a valid exception to the requirement to wear a mask,” said Pro League spokesman Stijn Van Bever. “In addition, smoking rooms are high risk gathering places and therefore a higher risk of infection.”
The Pro League stresses that “the safety of spectators during a football match is a shared responsibility between the Pro League, the clubs, public authorities and the supporters present”.
In addition to the other protocols already in place in the stadiums (like limited capacity), there will now also be a smoking ban. It will be in effect for the first time on the next day of the championship scheduled for October 16-19.
