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A duel of a special kind that Chester FC has to endure right now (symbol image)
Photo:
Robert Michael / picture alliance / dpa
England or Wales? Due to the geographic location of its stadium, Chester FC is fighting with the authorities to approve fans. The club postponed the home game against Brackley Town planned for Saturday on Tuesday. It is still not clear whether spectators can be there, the club said. In England all tickets for games can be sold, in Wales, however, games have been closed to the public since Christmas.
The background is that the club from the border town of Chester competes in the sixth English division, and the parking lot and the main entrance are also in England.
However, the stadium is on Welsh soil.
This is why the Welsh authorities believe that their rules apply when playing games.
They threatened the club with a fine because the most recent home games on December 28th and January 2nd were attended by more than 2,000 spectators.
The club fears bankruptcy if it is forced to play ghost games.
Discussions with Welsh and English authorities are now trying to find a long-term solution "that recognizes the unique geography and historical context of the stadium grounds," the club said.
aha / dpa
