Boost for fans as France allows supporters to return in July – raising hopes Prem stands could be filled next season

FOOTBALL fans have been given a boost with the news that France will allow supporters to return next month.

The French Cup final between PSG and Saint Etienne and the League Cup final between PSG and Lyon will allow crowds of up 5000.

The same applies for the start of the season in August but that could be increased to a third of a stadium's capacity.

This is a boost for English fans as other countries will have crowds before both the Premier League and EFL start in September.

Spain are also hoping to have crowds next month.

French football federation president Noel Le Graet was happy when the government announced that sports events with crowds of up to 5000 would be allowed from July 10.

Le Graet said: “It’s obviously a positive sign that the measures taken by the authorities to fight against the coronavirus epidemic are bearing fruit.

“The reopening of stadiums from July 10, with returning fans limited to 5,000 people, represents an important step in the organisation of matches to come.

“These new provisions mean that we can envisage a larger number of fans for the men’s French Cup final at the end of July, the League Cup final, the semi-finals and the final of the women’s French Cup in early August.”