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ll NSW sports fans will require COVID-19 vaccine passports to attend live major sporting events from 2022.

Venues NSW revealed the plan will be proposed to state government in the coming weeks with hopes of approval ahead of the 2022 calendar of sport in Australia.

Venue NSW’s chairman, Tony Shepard, told the Daily Telegraph: “The rollout has been slow so this can’t be introduced until everyone has had a fair opportunity to be vaccinated.”

“However, it’s then a case of, if you can’t be vaccinated, you can’t come.

“If you choose not to have the jab that is your civil right in a free country but the Delta strain is extremely transmissible and we need to do something to reopen our stadiums.

“The venues will say you can’t attend.

“Simple as that.

“Getting crowds back to sport is important but we can’t put fans at risk.

“It will be a tremendous incentive for people to get vaccinated,” Shepard said.

The Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) recorded a $24.7 million deficit due to the COVID-19 disrupted 2020 NRL season, which saw the league forced to play in front of empty or limited capacity stadiums.

ARLC chairman, Peter V’landys, said this loss was a “financial catastrophe”, but he is supportive of the decision  by Venues NSW.

“No sport can survive without crowds and COVID is not going away,” V’landys said.

“Crowds are such a major part of our revenue along with memberships.

“Having fans at games helps merchandise sales and getting fans back to the licenced clubs on game day.

“Plus, you need the atmosphere and you need tribalism,” he said.