Staff WriterDÜThe coronavirus pandemic has brought a new dividing line to the Champions League this season.
No longer is it only the super rich clubs against everyone else. There is now a split between those playing in front of fans and those playing in empty stadiums.
As of Monday, seven of the 16 games being played on Tuesday and Wednesday will have at least a few fans, with more than 20,000 possible for Juventus’ visit to Dynamo Kyiv. But with coronavirus case numbers rising in many countries, the situation can change fast.
Leipzig, a semifinalist last season, voided some tickets Monday after its maximum attendance was cut from 8,500 to 999 for Tuesday’s game against Istanbul Basaksehir. Some of next week’s hosts are still waiting for confirmation from local authorities before releasing tickets.
Local rules in each country apply, with some extra requirements from UEFA. No away fans are allowed and stadiums must be capped at 30% capacity even if national leagues allow more.