[ad_1]
HAPPY: the Minister of Culture, Abid Raja, and the government reopen for football. Photo: Bjorn Steinar Delebekk
EKEBERGSLETTA (VG) Culture Minister Abid Q. Raja (V) gives football the green light for the start of the series on June 16. At the same time, he has a concern.
The decision is made. The authorities have spoken: top football on the men’s side can start again.
– What an incredibly delicious relief! I’ve been working on purpose for weeks to make sure we can reopen soccer. There has been an image in the media that I have not worked for this. That is wrong, says the Minister.
He meets VG in Ekebergsletta, a few steps from the house in which he lives. On the fields that surround us, children and young people start kicking football, divided into small groups.
Now also begins the seriousness of those who have soccer as a way of life in the most important division of the country by men. In this interview, Raja confirms the following:
- High-level soccer players can start training normally, with contact, starting today.
- The first match of the elite series can start on Tuesday June 16.
- There are no geographic restrictions. Matches can be played across the country.
– I am incredibly happy to say that you can start right now. Players can face, cheer, and do whatever they want. I’m sure someone will hug each other with pleasure. For me, it is surprising to say that we are putting this into practice, ”says Raja.
also read
Raja calls to resolve the tangle of soccer women
However, one important requirement is set: the Norwegian Football Association (NFF) has to develop the rules for infection control. The Minister of Culture praises the work on the rules, which means, among other things, that the players must quarantine, be careful with hygiene, control the fever daily and that there are only 200 people inside an arena in relation to a match.
That means there will be no crowds on the rostrum during the 2020 season. Raja describes that as “hell”.
– We have to work and see what kind of financial package we are going to establish for this, but it is too early to say something about it now. We’ll get back to that, he says.
Concern
The Minister seems relieved and happy at the meeting with VG. The last time was turbulent. He still has a concern:
If the coronavirus breaks out, it may be appropriate to shut down different sectors of society again.
also read
New twist in the football fight: Raja accuses Støre of inaccuracies
That is why he recommends the best football to compress the season as much as possible. If NFF and Norsk Toppfotball follow the advice, it can be a lot of Norwegian football in a few months.
– Until now the players have been fired and the state has taken the club’s account. Now the players return. It will be a complete crisis for football if we have to close again. Then half of the clubs declare bankruptcy overnight. Both sponsors and money from television are at risk of disappearing. This is one of the reasons why we have been working on this for a long time: to ensure that it is prudent to implement the plans also in June, July and August. It has been difficult to communicate, says Raja.
COMING UP WITH INFORMATION ABOUT FOOTBALL WIDTH: Abid Raja, here in Ekebergsletta near where he lives, will report more on broad sports and infection control at a press conference Thursday night. Photo: Bjorn Steinar Delebekk
The Prime Minister emphasizes that the reopening of top football also applies to the Toppserien and Obos League (level two for men) but acknowledges that it can be practically difficult: there are many part-time jobs and studies alongside football, and for therefore cannot be quarantined, as the NFF protocol required
– Men’s soccer players are so privileged that they can stay home without having to go to another job. Unfortunately, women’s football is not there. I’ve challenged that to NFF, says Raja.
Open handball rooms
At a press conference in Oslo on Thursday night, he also spoke about other sports such as soccer, as well as what sportsmanship can look forward to in the future.
– As a minister, I represent not only the best football, but also the breadth. Now there are rules for absolutely everyone. It should provide predictability and joy, he says.
It will open for sports in the country’s sports halls. However, the cabinets will be closed.
Larger groups will also be able to train together as long as the one meter rule is followed. Now there is talk of up to 20 people and a distance of one meter.
At the same time, work is underway to open swimming pools and gyms starting June 15.
On Monday, Raja warned, a more comprehensive guide on how children’s sports can be performed in the future.
– We hope for a week without “problems” on the reopening of sports and Trond Giske?
– I have always focused on helping the sport. If someone has made a wrong impression, I am sorry, as that was not my intention. I have a genuine love for sports. A minister must communicate the government’s decision at all times. I’ve been getting a lot of shit for that. But in the scenes I have worked very hard to open football, says Raja.
also read
Raja consulted with elite clubs in the series: no women’s team contacted
Then he raises his voice, committed:
– I got screwed for playing soccer! And then you say he doesn’t like soccer! It bothers me a little!
Raja smiles as she says it, but speaks seriously.
The Institute of Public Health said yes to soccer, given the NFF infection control rules, a while back. What didn’t make you open already?
– It is not I who can reopen. Health regulations are with the Ministry of Health. I cannot change the regulations, only the Minister of Health can do it. There has been a big misconception out there. But now we agree that the regulations are changing, and I am very happy about that, says Abid Q. Raja.
See more statistics from the Elite series on VG Live.
Day life
- Champions League qualification
