For the first time in years, visiting fans are allowed to attend a league match in Buenos Aires. A test will show whether the return is possible on a permanent basis.
“This is a significant day for Argentine soccer, which will mark a turning point,” said association president Claudio Tapia, announcing a landmark step: for the first time in more than ten years, visiting fans will be allowed back into stadiums in Argentina’s professional leagues.
Initially, the return of fans will take place gradually in a test phase. The first match will be played this Saturday between Atletico Lanus and Rosario Central. The association is making 6,500 tickets available for Rosario fans. In the long term, the separation of fan groups will eventually be completely lifted.
The gradual reopening of the away stands is to be achieved by only allowing clubs with the necessary capacity and surveillance facilities to welcome fans of other teams. Tickets will also be sold via a tracking system. According to Javier Alonso, Minister of Security for the Province of Buenos Aires, the aim is to keep violence out of the stadiums so that soccer can once again become a family experience.
Away fans banned since 2013
The ban on visiting fans in the Argentine league came into force in 2013. It had been introduced following clashes between rival fan groups, which had resulted in several deaths. Since then, exceptions had only been made for international tournaments or cup matches.
