Fans will be banned from the My Dinh National Stadium which will host Viet Nam’s matches against Japan in the final round of the 2022 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifiers on November 11, the Ha Noi authorities said Wednesday after a meeting with representatives from the Vietnamese Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and the Viet Nam Football Federation (VFF).

That means the game will be a TV-only event as the organisers, officials and athletes concern about the spread of the virus.

Previously, VFF had sought permission from the Ha Noi People’s Committee and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to welcome fans into the My Dinh Stadium in Ha Noi when the Viet Nam football team played against Japan and Saudi Arabia in November.

VFF had sent the proposal to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and Hanoi People’s Committee for approval, with the plan to organize the game with Japan on November 11 and Saudi Arabia on November 16 with spectators.

VFF suggested that the number of spectators should take up 50% of My Dinh Stadium’s full capacity of 40,000 seats. The requirements to watch the games in the stadium are being fully vaccinated and having a negative Covid-19 test result within 72 hours.

After the Wednesday meeting to review the organisation of next games, Viet Nam was ordered to play their next home game against Japan without supporters present. However, the relevant agencies have yet to decide if the Viet Nam vs Saudi Arabia match on November 16 will be with or without fans.

Reporting by NGUYEN AN - Translating by M.D