“In the preparation match between the national teams of Portugal and Spain, on 7 October, at 7,45pm, at Alvalade XXI Stadium, the occupancy of 5 percent of the stadium’s capacity will be authorised. In the official match between the national teams of Portugal and Sweden, for the League of Nations, on 14 October at 7.45pm, at the Alvalade XXI Stadium, it will be authorised to occupy 10 percent of the stadium’s capacity with an audience,” said the note issued by the FPF.

According to the Portuguese federation, the decision came “following working meetings held in recent weeks with the Government and Directorate General of Health,” and at the end of the two matches, “the operational teams of the FPF will prepare a detailed report, which will be examined by the Health Authority with a view to a possible authorisation of public presence in football matches in continental Portugal, which is recognised as being of extreme social and economic importance”.

With the Covid-19 pandemic, the presence of the public in football stadiums has been virtually banned worldwide however the ban is being gradually lifted in some countries, although no ‘green light’ has yet been given in Portugal.

The first game with spectators Portugal will take place on 3 October, but not in mainland Portugal, with the match between Santa Clara and Gil Vicente, in the Azores, in the third round of the I League.