Hungarian Football Federation allows fans to return

Liam Watson

In a first across Europe, the Hungarian Football Federation (MLSZ) have allowed fans to return under strict guidelines to preserve social distancing around the grounds.

The Hungarian league season came back on May 23rd, but the announcement of fans returning came shortly afterwards on May 28th.

Supporters got their first taste of live action on the weekend with regulations set to remain in place as long as it’s safe to do so and approved by government.

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In a statement by the MLSZ, they outlined how fans must adhere to guidelines due to the coronavirus pandemic:

“Every fourth chair can sit facing spectators at football matches after May 28th,” they said.

“In order to protect the health of the players, the strict regulations and mandatory tests applicable to them remain in force.

“The clubs organising the match must ensure that the distance is maintained in the stands in order for the conditions for epidemiological control to be in place.”

Although crowds would be significantly reduced, those fans lucky enough to get a spot in the stands will need to make sure they remain consistent with social distancing to ensure clubs can continue getting extra bit of support on match day.

“Adequate distance must be maintained in all community areas (before, during, and after the match, including checkouts, entry points, buffets, and restrooms),” the MLSZ said.

“On Thursday, the MLSZ issued a recommendation to the clubs in order to make the admission of spectators as inconvenient as possible for the fans by complying with the health protection regulations, but each club is free to decide on the conditions of the event.”

The Hungarian Football Federation has now led the way for figuring out a way to space out fans around the ground.

It’ll be interesting to see if other clubs come up with a system that enables members and season ticket holders an equal chance to attend remaining matches during the season – addressing the lack of match day income over the last few months.

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Chelsea and Tottenham Arrive in Sydney as Premier League Giants Launch Australian Pre-Season Tour

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Image Credit: Chelsea FC

Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur have touched down in Sydney ahead of their pre-season tour of Australia for the Sydney Super Cup. Both clubs have wasted little time settling into life in Sydney, beginning preparations for a busy week of training sessions, fan events and pre-season fixtures.

The London rivals will each face A-League opposition before meeting meeting in the marquee fixture of the tour at Accor Stadium, bringing two of England’s biggest clubs to Australian shores as they build towards the 2026-27 Premier League season.

For Chelsea, the tour represents the first opportunity for supporters to see new manager Xabi Alonso lead the Blues. Meanwhile, Spurs fans will be eager to see improvements from Roberto De Zerbi’s men following their narrow escape from relegation last season.

Chelsea will open their tour against Western Sydney Wanderers on Tuesday 28 July, while Tottenham will face Sydney FC on Wednesday 29 July, before the clubs meet in the headline fixture of the tour on Saturday 1 August.

The clash will mark the first time the London rivals have faced each other outside the UK. The tour is another sign of Australia’s growing stature as a destination for elite European clubs during the northern hemisphere off-season

With Chelsea and Tottenham among the Premier League’s biggest global brands, the fixtures are expected to attract strong crowds and give Australian football fans a rare opportunity to watch top-flight English footballers in person.

The tour will also feature the Chelsea Women’s team, which will take on the A-League Women’s All Stars in a showcase fixture on Wednesday 12 August.

Football Australia Chairman Reflects on Socceroos World Cup Campaign, Points to Reform Agenda Ahead

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Image Credit: Football Australia

Football Australia Chairman Anter Isaac has released a statement reflecting on the Socceroos’ FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign, which ended in a penalty shootout loss to Egypt in the Round of 32 on 3 July.

Isaac thanked the players, coaching staff, medical and performance teams, and volunteers who supported the campaign, saying they represented the country with professionalism, humility and pride.

He said the tournament had brought Australians together across every state, culture and generation, calling it one of the few sporting moments capable of uniting the country.

Isaac linked the campaign to Football Australia’s broader governance work, pointing to the organisation’s recently announced reform agenda and the Enduring Principles adopted last year: Better Access to Football for All, More Football, Better Football, More People Enjoying Football, and Winning Football.

He said those principles, together with the organisation’s values of Welcome, Ready, Connect, Excel and Protect, formed the basis for every decision Football Australia makes.

“World Cups do not define our leadership,” Isaac said, adding that they instead reveal progress made long before a ball is kicked.

He said Football Australia’s responsibility extended beyond preparing for the next tournament to strengthening the institution that supports every tournament that follows.

Isaac said progress in a sporting ecosystem of Australian football’s scale depends less on any single body’s authority than on the willingness of clubs, federations, leagues and government to align around shared goals.

He said the organisation would study the lessons of the campaign carefully and continue refining its approach.

“Adaptability is not changing direction with every headline,” Isaac said. “It is improving the path while remaining true to the destination.”

Isaac framed his own role in terms of long-term stewardship, saying the game should be left in a stronger position for the generations that follow than it was for those who built it.

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