Sporting events in Wales to be played behind closed doors from Boxing Day

There will be no spectators allowed at sporting events in Wales from Boxing Day, the Welsh Government has announced.

Economy Minister Vaughan Gething announced the new measures for indoor and outdoor sporting events because of the reported threat of the omicron variant of Covid-19.

A £3m Spectator Sports Fund will be available to support clubs and sporting venues affected by the new measures.

Mr Gething said: “Sporting events over the Christmas period are one of the big highlights of the year. Unfortunately, the new omicron variant is a significant development in the pandemic and could cause a large number of infections.

“We need to do everything we can to protect people’s health and control the spread of this awful virus.

“Throughout the pandemic we have followed scientific and public health advice to keep people safe. The advice is clear – we need to act now in response to the threat of omicron. We are giving people as much notice of these decisions as we can.

“Crowds will come back as soon as possible. We want everyone to be here to enjoy their favourite sports.”

The decision comes as some football clubs have already announced Christmas matches have been postponed because of cases of Covid-19 in their squads.

Cardiff City FC has postponed its Boxing Day match against Coventry City due to several cases of Covid-19 in its playing squad and staff. And League Two leaders Forest Green will not be playing Newport County.

The latest figures show omicron cases are rising quickly in all parts of Wales.

The overall rate of coronavirus infections is also rising in Wales and now stands at just under 550 cases per 100,000 people.

The First Minister last week warned of a gathering storm of omicron infections after the Christmas period as some strengthened measures were introduced from December 27

The Welsh Government said coronavirus regulations, including playing sports behind closed doors, will be reviewed regularly.

“No way to do things”

The Welsh Government sent out a press release about the new restrictions at 9pm on Monday, December 20. This was embargoed until midnight – meaning media could not publish the information until then. However that did not stop some journalists on social media revealing that new restrictions were on their way.

The Welsh Conservatives have criticised this approach. Leader Andrew RT Davies said: “This is a fast moving and difficult situation for decision-makers, but this is no way to do things.

“The drip, drip effect of the rumour mill is unhelpful and unsettling to many, particularly at such an important time of year for families across the country.

“The last review by Labour was only on Friday and families, workers, businesses and organisations deserve clear communication from governments of all colours ahead of the Christmas and New Year period – not poorly timed releases that sets social media racing.

“Welsh Conservatives remain of the belief that the imposition of restrictions must be based on the strongest possible data, and as a last resort to protect the NHS.

“Any businesses and sporting organisations hit by these new restrictions must receive full financial support from Labour ministers to cover any losses.”