2021.4.26
Matches to Be Held without Spectators in Prefectures Subject to the Declaration of a State Emergency
The government has declared a state of emergency and requested that sports events in prefectures subject to the declaration be held without spectators. J.LEAGUE has therefore announced to hold official matches in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Hyogo prefectures without spectators from Sunday, April 25 to Tuesday, May 11.
■Matches to Be Held without Spectators
| 2021 MEIJI YASUDA J1 LEAGUE |
| Sec. | Date | KO | Fixture | Venue |
| 12 | Saturday 1, May | 14:00 | F.C.Tokyo | vs. | Yokohama F･Marinos | Ajinomoto |
| 12 | Saturday 1, May | 15:00 | Vissel Kobe | vs. | Sanfrecce Hiroshima | NOEVIR.S |
| 12 | Sunday 2, May | 15:00 | Cerezo Osaka | vs. | Gamba Osaka | YANMAR STADIUM |
| 13 | Saturday 8, May | 18:00 | Gamba Osaka | vs. | Kawasaki Frontale | Pana.S |
| 2021 J.LEAGUE YBC Levain Cup |
| Sec. | Date | KO | Fixture | Venue |
| 4 | Wednesday 28, April | 18:00 | Vissel Kobe | vs. | Oita Trinita | NOEVIR.S |
| 5 | Wednesday 5, May | 15:00 | Vissel Kobe | vs. | F.C.Tokyo | NOEVIR.S |
| 2021 MEIJI YASUDA J2 LEAGUE |
| Sec. | Date | KO | Fixture | Venue |
| 11 | Saturday 1, May | 14:00 | Kyoto Sanga F.C. | vs. | Ehime FC | SANGA S |
| 11 | Sunday 2, May | 15:00 | Tokyo Verdy | vs. | Omiya Ardija | Ajinomoto |
| 11 | Sunday 2, May | 15:00 | FC Machida Zelvia | vs. | Renofa Yamaguchi FC | Machida GION S. |
| 12 | Wednesday 5, May | 15:00 | Tokyo Verdy | vs. | Thespakusatsu Gunma | Ajinomoto |
| 13 | Sunday 9, May | 14:00 | Kyoto Sanga F.C. | vs. | Montedio Yamagata | SANGA S |
*When holding matches, J.LEAGUE and J clubs will take adequate measures in accordance with the rules set out in the J.LEAGUE COVID-19 Response Guidelines to prevent the spread of infections.
■ Message from J.LEAGUE Chairman Mitsuru Murai to Fans and Supporters
The government has declared a state of emergency for Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Hyogo prefectures. I would like to express my sincere sympathies to all those who have contracted COVID-19 and ask that all fans and supporters take even greater care to prevent infection.
In principle, J.LEAGUE intends to hold matches with the attendance of fans and supporters, and we have been doing so while taking thorough measures against infection. However, in light of the government’s view that there is a need for extremely strong measures that also account for the movement of people during the holiday period around early May, it is our understanding that the foremost priority at this stage is to protect local healthcare systems and workers and to safeguard the public’s health. We have therefore decided to hold matches without spectators in the prefectures subject to the declaration of a state of emergency, in line with the government’s policy.
Since resuming J.LEAGUE matches last year, we have asked fans and supporters to adhere to our guidelines, which include restrictions on how you support and cheer on your favorite teams, and, with your help, we have held approximately 1,300 matches. I would like to once again express my gratitude for your tremendous cooperation. It saddens me that, by holding matches without spectators, players will not be able to benefit from your warm applause and support in the stadiums. Nevertheless, first and foremost, I ask that you please take care of your own health and that of those around you, and also that you continue to foster a culture of enjoying spectator sports while looking after each other’s health.
In the prefectures not subject to the declaration of a state of emergency, we will make even greater efforts to prevent the spread of infections, while taking additional measures as necessary in cooperation with local governments and based on the state of infections, such as limiting the number of spectators to ensure adequate distance between seats, and asking spectators to travel directly to and from the stadium when attending a match.
As for new measures for the players, since April 20, we have been testing any players showing signs of infection even on match days, and have introduced onsite testing to ensure that matches are held only with players who have tested negative for COVID-19, and we will continue to ensure safe and secure playing conditions.
Lastly, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the healthcare workers and many others who are giving their all in the fight against COVID-19.”
