The Korean League Welcomes Attendance Of Up To 25 Percent Of Stadium Capacity

Suwon Samsung Bluewings player Yeom Ki-hun (right) in action in the first match of the South Korean soccer league, K League 1, 2020 season (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - The South Korean soccer league (K-League) will again allow spectators to return to live watching matches up to a maximum of 25 percent of stadium capacity starting this week, league operators announced on Monday, October 12.

Reported by Antara , Tuesday, this was taken after the local government again relaxed the crowd ban to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The decline in the daily double-digit number of positive COVID-19 cases in the past two weeks is the basis for the South Korean government's decision to allow nightlife venues to re-open and spectators to attend sporting events.

The K-League began rolling out May 8 with no spectators before fans were allowed to return to the stadium starting August 1.

However, the spike in COVID-19 cases has forced the government to impose stricter regulations and again ban spectators from stadiums.

The Group B playoff match between Gangwon FC hosts Incheon at Gangneung Stadium, on Friday which will be the first match marking the return of the crowd to the stadium.

As a rule, stadiums are actually allowed to be filled up to 30 percent capacity, but the K-League chooses to limit spectators to a maximum of 25 percent of the capacity of each stadium.

The K-League stated that spectators are required to have their body temperature checked and must wear masks and are prohibited from yelling to prevent the spread of the virus.