These are your Cardiff City headlines on Tuesday, December 21
Dalman: Major blow
Cardiff City chairman Mehmet Dalman says moving fixtures behind closed doors is a "major blow" for the Bluebirds.
The Welsh Government announced at midnight on Tuesday that all sporting events in Wales would take place without fans from Boxing Day due to a surge in coronavirus cases.
“It’s a major blow from all aspects, but we have to put the safety of our fans, players and everyone first,” Dalman told talkSPORT. “So we will follow the guidelines as they are laid out.
“These things are made for a reason and as much as we dislike them, we will certainly obey them.
“It’s a blow of course for football, a blow for our club, because we always want to play in front of our fan base, and that’s a great shame.”
Asked if Cardiff fans could travel to away matches in England, Dalman replied: “Theoretically speaking that’s correct, in practical terms, let’s see what happens next.
“There are a lot more developments to come, I’m sure of that.
“So I would just wait to see the next announcements from the government as to the guidelines, and we go from there.”
When asked if the EFL would be able to prise any money out of the Premier League to help offset lost revenue, Dalman replied: “You know my views on the EFL, the answer is I wouldn’t hold my breath.”
LIVE UPDATES: Welsh Government announce sporting events to be held with no spectators from Boxing Day
Ticket info
The Bluebirds have released ticket information in light of the new restrictions in place.
City don't play at home until their FA Cup clash with Preston, meaning the games against Bournemouth and West Brom (both away) remain unaffected at this point in time.
In regards to the clash against the Lilywhites, Cardiff wrote on their website: "This game will be played behind closed doors. Tickets already purchased for this fixture will be refunded automatically by 5pm on Thursday, December 23rd, 2021. Refunds may take 3-5 working days after this date to show.
"Purchases will be refunded to the original payment card. Should you have any issues, please email: tickets@cardiffcityfc.co.uk with proof of your purchase."
City lose out in transfer race
Sheffield United have pipped Cardiff in the race to sign youngster Miguel Freckleton.
The 18-year-old currently plays for Southern League Division One South & West side Mangotsfield having been on the books of Bristol Rovers previously.
Hull City and Southampton were also keen on the teenager but the Blades are said to be very close to wrapping up his signature on a multi-year deal.
Borley: £3m isn't enough
Cardiff director Steve Borley has said £3million is not enough to compensate Welsh sporting sides with games going behind closed doors.
Economy minister Vaughan Gething confirmed on Tuesday evening that a £3million Spectator Sports Fund will be made available to support clubs and sporting venues affected by the new measures to protect public health.
But Borley believes the sum isn't enough, with clubs in Wales set to lose a significant amount with supporters unable to attend.
In response to a comment on Twitter, Borley wrote: "I have told them [Welsh Government] £3m is nowhere near enough to compensate sports events groups financially especially as the holiday events for all sports are the lifeblood they rely upon to keep trading."
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