Liverpool fans' hopes of attending the Community Shield against Arsenal at the end of the month have been dashed after the FA reportedly scrapped plans to use the game as a test event for the return of supporters to stadiums.
Since English football's return in June after a three-month enforced suspension because of the coronavirus pandemic, all matches have taken place behind closed doors.
However, the Community Shield was previously seen as a potential test event to start allowing fans back into stadiums, with the UK government initially receptive to the idea.
But after other pilots involving county cricket, racing and snooker were cancelled earlier this month, the Daily Mail report the FA have now accepted that it is no longer feasible due to the continued uncertainty over COVID-19 outbreaks.
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport will update their guidance for sport after the Government’s review of the localised North West lockdown on August 15.
But with the Community Shield scheduled to take place at Wembley on August 29, the FA believe there will be insufficient time to organise the event accordingly should pilot events be permitted.
The governing body had reportedly hoped to be able to open Wembley at a one-quarter capacity, allowing approximately 22,500 fans to attend the Community Shield.
However, the first stage of pilot events are unlikely to be granted for such numbers.
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Goodwood racecourse had been licensed to admit 5,000 members to the final day of Glorious Goodwood on August 1 before the Government U-turned a day before, with the next round of test events likely to involve a similar number.
As such, the FA have had postpone plans for fans to attend matches, meaning Liverpool supporters will have to wait a little while longer to able to watch the Reds in action for the first time since becoming Premier League champions.
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