German FA shrinks capacity limit from 9,200 fans to 300 for Turkey friendly due to COVID-19

The German Football Association (DFB) has cancelled plans to allow 9,200 supporters to attend Germany’s friendly with Turkey on Wednesday.

Following the easing of coronavirus restrictions in Germany, Bundesliga teams have been gradually welcoming fans back to matches since the start of the 2020-21 season, albeit at reduced capacity.

Approximately 6,000 fans saw Hoffenheim beat defending champions Bayern Munich 4-1 at the end of September, with the German Football League (DFL) previously ruling that stadiums could fill 20 per cent of their capacity as long as social distancing protocols were adhered to.

UEFA made a similar decision last week, permitting stadiums to be up to 30 per cent full – subject to local permission – and Germany were set to allow up to 9,200 people in to watch the clash with Turkey in Cologne.

But due to a rise in the local coronavirus infection rate, they have been forced into a rethink.

A DFB statement read: “The local health department in Cologne, in agreement with the local authorities, has informed the German Football Association (DFB) that the international against Turkey tomorrow (Wednesday, 20:45 CEST) cannot take place with 9,200 fans as planned.

“This is due to the fact that the seven-day local infection rate in Cologne has exceeded the 35 limit (per 100,000 people). Only 300 fans will now be able to attend the game in the RheinEnergieStadion.”

The DFB confirmed it planned to give the majority of the 300 available tickets to key workers.