Successful Resumption of Football Competition With Spectators During the Active Phase of COVID-19 Pandemic: Experiences From A Rapidly Developing Country

Abstract Background: COVID-19 has interrupted professional sporting activities for more than a year and sent shockwaves across the society. Objectives: To evaluate the resumption of professional football event with fans and the likely spread of COVID-19 infections. Design: A retrospective observational studyMethods: The study involved football players, match officials, local organizing committee (LOC) members, working in close coordination, and over 16,000 spectators in the state of Qatar. We examined data from the Amir Cup final (December 18th , 2020), which was played under a strict protocol that included extensive SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR testing for players and match officials, as well as the utility of COVID-19 rapid antigen testing and antibody testing as a tool for screening spectators to ensure their safe return to the stadiums. In addition, we reviewed the guidelines and protocols that were put in place to organize Qatar's Amir Cup Football Final, which drew over 16,000 fans in the stadium.Results: A total of 16171 spectators undertook rapid antigen and antibody tests for the Amir cup final (From Dec16-Dec18, 2020). Fifteen Spectators (n=15) returned with a positive result for COVID-19 infection during the final event (Positivity rate =0.12%). All players underwent RT-PCR testing 48 hours before the match. None of the players tested positive for Covid-19 infections. 1311 individuals reported having symptoms related to COVID-19 post final of Amir Cup. These spectators were tested for COVID-19 RT-PCR with an overall positivity rate (positive/reactive) to be 0.42% (69/16171).Conclusion: This report shows a meagre incidence rate of COVID-19 infections during and post-Amir Cup final, and based on this, it appears that during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the supervised and controlled resumption of football matches with spectators can be carried out safely following a strict testing and tracing protocol.