The English Football League (EFL) say that they are confident all 72 clubs will be able to stage matches in front of full capacity stadiums next season.
Last night, the Prime Minister Boris Johnson outlined the fourth and final stage of the country's roadmap out of lockdown.
As well as the scrapping of most restrictions, including mask-wearing and social distancing, the cap on capacities at indoor and outdoor events was also announced for July 19.
At present, outdoor stadiums are limited to a maximum of 10,000 fans or 25 per cent capacity, whichever figure is lower. But that requirement will now disappear later this month.
The Government also announced that Covid passports would not be required by law to dictate entry to events, but that organisations could opt to use them if they so wish.
Trevor Birch, EFL Chief Executive, praised the news and believes all 72 member clubs are chomping at the bit to welcome back supporters properly for the first time since March 2020.
He said: “The EFL welcomes today’s positive announcement by the Prime Minister that capacity restrictions are expected to be lifted later this month, which will allow us to finally press forward with our plans to see a full return of fans to EFL stadiums from the start of the new EFL season in just four weeks’ time.
“Football has been planning for this outcome since the outset of the pandemic and having been forced to endure empty stadiums since March 2020, the message from EFL Clubs is that we are ready to re-open and welcome fans back in numbers.
“From the EFL’s own participation in the Events Research Programme and our clubs' extensive experience built up over many years, we are confident that all our clubs can successfully manage large scale events.
"We will continue to work with the Government on the guidance that will help support their matchday operations."
The first game of the new EFL season takes place on Friday, August 6 when Bournemouth welcome West Brom in the Championship.
Sign up to the Mirror Football email here for the latest news and transfer gossip
