[mkdf_dropcaps type=”normal” color=”#f55549″ background_color=””]I[/mkdf_dropcaps]n the wake of new outbreaks of COVID-19 in Victoria, Victorian fans will not be allowed into AFL and NRL games in New South Wales (NSW) stadiums.
NSW health minister, Brad Hazzard, said he has received assurances from both the NRL and AFL that Victorian residents would be barred from games, indicating fans wanting to attend fixtures will have to show their drivers licences at NSW stadiums.
“They have actually put in place measures immediately and confirmed to me… that they have the measures in place,” Hazzard said.
“And we’re quite satisfied they can make sure that supporters from Melbourne and Victoria are not coming to our games.
“They’re not getting tickets, that’s the simple answer.
“[The AFL and NRL] have satisfied me they have made all necessary measures and steps to ensure people who will be entering the stadium will be people who are from Sydney,” he said.
Australian Rugby League Commission chairman, Peter V’landys, said the NRL is limiting access to match tickets to club members only, with identification checks completed once fans arrive at venues.
“The only people that will get in will be members of the clubs or season-ticket holders, where we’ll know all their details,” V’landys told AAP.
“It’s to assure the government that no one from Victoria will be allowed in.
“We’ve always said that we wanted to repay the loyal members of each of the clubs.
“In the first instance, it’ll only be club members, to reward their loyalty.
“By only allowing members in, we know their addresses, we know all their details, so we can safeguard against any Victorians getting in,” he said.
The move comes in preparation of stadiums being able to have up to 10,000 fans in attendance at NRL and AFL games from July 1, with a maximum of 25 percent capacity permitted for each venue.
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