FANS will be allowed to attend the FA Cup Final – despite it coming two days before the planned opening up of grounds to 10,000 fans.
The Wembley showpiece will be held on May 15, 48 hours before the relaxation of restrictions on crowds.
But the FA have lobbied to be one of the pilot events ahead of the official return.
And the World Snooker Championships at The Crucible can also take place in front of spectators in another massive boost to sport.
A final decision on how many will be allowed into events will come in the next few weeks after Government discussions with organisers and local authorities.
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: “These test events will be crucial in finding ways to get fans and audiences back in safely without social distancing.
“We will be guided by the science and medical experts, but will work flat out to make that happen.
“We want to get the people back to enjoying what they love and ensure some of our most important growth industries get back on their feet.
“These are important steps towards the safe and special summer we all crave and that I’m fully focused on delivering.”
Fans will not be allowed in unless they have had a negative Covid test beforehand and must agree to be tested afterwards.
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They must also sign up to a ‘code of behaviour’ confirming they will wear masks where required while nobody with Covid symptoms will be allowed through the turnstiles.
PM Boris Johnson has already announced all restrictions on crowds are due to end from June 21, allowing 90,000 full houses at Wembley for the latter stages of Euro 2020.
But while the FA Cup final pilot is a giant step forward for fans, so far there are no plans to bring them forward to allow supporters of Spurs or Manchester City to attend the Carabao Cup final on April 25.
