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Al-Thani H, Al Musleh AA, Khan NA, Asim M, Abdurahiman S, Morad YA, Massey A, El-Menyar A. FIFA Arab Cup tournament with full capacity of spectators during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study. SCI MED FOOTBALL 2023; 7:337-346. [PMID: 35950342 DOI: 10.1080/24733938.2022.2110276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We sought to assess the risk of COVID-19 and seasonal flu including respiratory syncytial (RSV) and influenza viruses during the FIFA Arab Cup 2021 in Qatar with full capacity of spectators. We also, evaluated the post-event attitude toward resumption of mass football events. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study in which spectators (age ≥ 18 years) were invited for reverse-transcription PCR testing for COVID-19 and seasonal flu. At the same time, between 7 and 14 days after the event, the participants completed a self-administered questionnaire regarding their concerns during the tournament. RESULTS The tournament included 16 international football teams from the Arab countries. As per the study protocol, 10,000 spectators were approached and 6,475 participated. Among the participants, 4,195 (65.1%), 2,253 (34.9%) and 27 (0.4%) were vaccinated with 2 doses, vaccinated with 3 doses, and recovered from SARS-Cov-2 infection, respectively. There were 61 (0.9%), 41(0.6%) and 11(0.2%) participants who tested positive for COVID-19, RSV and influenza (A/B), respectively. The average cycle threshold (Ct) value for COVID-19 positive cases was 26.1±7.3. Among those who were electronically approached, 6,102 completed the survey whereas 373 had incomplete survey. Overall, 2069 (33.9%) participants reported symptoms that theoretically could be related to COVID-19, of them 39 had positive PCR test (1.9%). Spectators (94.3%) were optimistic about returning sport events to the pre-pandemic status. CONCLUSIONS There was no significant increase in the daily COVID-19 cases during FIFA Arab Cup 2021 with a full capacity of spectators. Therefore, upcoming mass football events can be held safely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Al-Thani
- Department of Surgery, Trauma and Vascular Surgery, Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Naushad Ahmad Khan
- Department of Surgery, Trauma &vascular Clinical Research, Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mohammad Asim
- Department of Surgery, Trauma &vascular Clinical Research, Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar
| | - Sameer Abdurahiman
- Department of Clinical Information Systems (CIS); Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Yasmin Ali Morad
- Corporate Project management, Primary Health Care Corporation &Corporate Project Management Office, Doha, Qatar
| | - Andrew Massey
- Department of Medicine, Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Ayman El-Menyar
- Department of Surgery, Trauma &vascular Clinical Research, Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, Doha, Qatar
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Purves RI, Maclean J, Rocha C, Philpott M, Fitzgerald N, Piggin J, Hunt K. Attending sporting mega events during COVID-19: mitigation and messaging at UK EURO 2020 matches. Health Promot Int 2023; 38:6974790. [PMID: 36617291 PMCID: PMC9825819 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daac176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The UEFA EURO 2020 football tournament was one of the largest Sporting Mega Events (SMEs) to take place during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mitigating the risk of virus transmission requires a multi-layered approach for any large event, more so in this case due to staging the tournament across eleven host countries. Yet, little is known about COVID-19 risks and mitigation from attending an event of this scale and nature. We examined the implementation of mitigation and messaging at EURO 2020 matches hosted at venues in the UK. The tournament was postponed from the summer of 2020 and played in June and July of 2021. Structured observations were conducted by 11 trained fieldwork-supporters at 10 matches played at Wembley Stadium, London, or Hampden Park, Glasgow. Fieldwork-supporters observed one-way systems and signage, and hand sanitizing stations inside the stadia, but reported significant variation in the implementation of staggered timeslots, testing upon entry, and procedures for exit. Adherence to planned measures by ticket holders and implementation by stewards waned as the tournament progressed culminating in an absence of enforced measures at the final. The non-compliance with COVID-19 mitigation measures was likely to have led to a significantly increased risk of transmission. Future events should consider how COVID-19 mitigation measures could become 'new norms' of fan behaviour, learning from what is already known about football fandom. Tournament organizers of SMEs can use these findings to promote clearer messaging on pandemic-driven changes in fan behaviour and best practices in mitigating risk at future sporting and cultural events.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jordan Maclean
- Institute for Social Marketing and Health, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
| | - Claudio Rocha
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
| | | | - Niamh Fitzgerald
- Institute for Social Marketing and Health, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
| | - Joe Piggin
- Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
| | - Kate Hunt
- Institute for Social Marketing and Health, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
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Khan NA, Al Musleh AA, Abdurahiman S, Asim M, El-Menyar A, Al-Thani H. Recommencement of football competition with spectators during the active phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in a Middle Eastern country. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil 2022; 14:112. [PMID: 35725500 PMCID: PMC9207165 DOI: 10.1186/s13102-022-00504-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Background With the global spread of COVID-19 infection caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 virus (SARS-CoV-2), all the national and international sports events were ceased early in 2020. The sport activities have been reinstated since then, albeit without spectators. However, several governments have established a variety of risk-mitigation measures to gradually reintroduce the spectators to stadiums.
Objectives We aimed to evaluate the implementation of a strict health protocol to ensure the resumption of professional football with spectators and to access its effectiveness in limiting the spread of COVID-19 infections within the community.
Methods This was a retrospective, observational study involving football players, match officials, local organizing committee members, working in close coordination, and over 16,000 spectators in the state of Qatar. We examined data from the Amir Cup final (December 18th, 2020), which was played under a strict protocol that included extensive reverse transcription-Polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing for players and match officials, as well as the utility of COVID-19 rapid antigen and antibody testings as screening tools for spectators to ensure their safe return to the stadiums. In addition, we reviewed the guidelines and protocols that were put in place to organize Qatar's Amir Cup Football Final, which drew over 16,000 spectators in the stadium. Results A total of 16,171 spectators undertook rapid antigen and antibody tests for the Amir cup final (from December16-December18, 2020). Fifteen Spectators (n = 15) returned with a positive result for COVID-19 infection during the final event (positivity rate = 0.12%). All players underwent RT-PCR testing 48 h before the match. None of the players tested positive for COVID-19 infections. 1311 individuals reported having symptoms related to COVID-19 post final of Amir Cup. These spectators were tested for COVID-19 RT-PCR with an overall positivity rate (positive/reactive) to be 0.42% (69/16171). Conclusion This report shows a meagre incidence rate of COVID-19 infections during and post-Amir Cup football final. Based on the low infectivity rate reported during and post the Amir Cup, we propose that supervised and controlled resumption of football matches with spectators can be carried out safely following a strict testing and tracing protocol. Similar infection control policies can be replicated with a higher number of spectators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naushad Ahmad Khan
- Department of Surgery, Trauma and Vascular Clinical Research, Hamad General Hospital, P.O. Box 3050, Doha, Qatar
| | - AbdulWahab Abubaker Al Musleh
- Clinical Information Systems (CIS), Hamad Medical Corporation and Medical Affairs, Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, Doha, Qatar
| | - Sameer Abdurahiman
- Clinical Information Systems (CIS), Hamad Medical Corporation and Medical Affairs, Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mohammad Asim
- Department of Surgery, Trauma and Vascular Clinical Research, Hamad General Hospital, P.O. Box 3050, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ayman El-Menyar
- Department of Surgery, Trauma and Vascular Clinical Research, Hamad General Hospital, P.O. Box 3050, Doha, Qatar. .,Department of Clinical Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Hassan Al-Thani
- Department of Surgery, Trauma and Vascular Surgery, Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar
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Manoli AE, Anagnostopoulos C, Ahonen A, Bolton N, Bowes A, Brown C, Byers T, Cockayne D, Cooper I, Du J, Geurin A, Hayday EJ, Hayton JW, Jenkin C, Kenyon JA, Kitching N, Kirby S, Kitchin P, Kohe GZ, Kokolakakis T, Leng HK, Ludvigsen JAL, MacIntosh EW, Maxwell H, May A, Misener K, O’Gorman J, Parnell D, Parry KD, Peng Q, Plumley D, Power MJ, Ramchandani G, Rayner M, Scelles N, Taylor T, Webb T, Winand M. Managing sport and leisure in the era of Covid-19. MANAGING SPORT AND LEISURE 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/23750472.2022.2035963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Argyro Elisavet Manoli
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
| | - Christos Anagnostopoulos
- School of Business & Management, University of Central Lancashire Cyprus, Pyla, Cyprus
- Faculty of Business Administration and Social Sciences, Molde University College, Molde, Norway
| | - Aila Ahonen
- Sport Business School Finland, JAMK University of Applied Sciences, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Nicola Bolton
- Cardiff School of Management, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Ali Bowes
- School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
| | - Chris Brown
- Institute of Sport, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
| | - Terri Byers
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, Canada
| | - David Cockayne
- University of Liverpool Management School, Liverpool, UK
| | - Ian Cooper
- Culture and Sports Management Consultant, Suffolk, UK
| | - James Du
- The Department of Sport Management, College of Education, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Andrea Geurin
- Institute for Sport Business, Loughborough University London, London, UK
| | - Emily Jane Hayday
- Institute for Sport Business, Loughborough University London, London, UK
| | | | - Claire Jenkin
- Institute of Sport, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
| | | | - Niamh Kitching
- Department of Arts Education and Physical Education, Mary Immaculate College, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Seth Kirby
- School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
| | - Paul Kitchin
- School of Sport, Ulster University, Coleraine, UK
| | | | | | | | | | - Eric W. MacIntosh
- School of Human Kinetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Hazel Maxwell
- School of Health Sciences, University of Tasmania, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Katie Misener
- Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
| | - Jimmy O’Gorman
- Department of Sport & Physical Activity, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, UK
| | - Daniel Parnell
- University of Liverpool Management School, Liverpool, UK
| | - Keith D. Parry
- Department of Sport and Event Management, Bournemouth University, Poole, UK
- College of Education, Western Sydney University, Penrith, Australia
| | - Qi Peng
- Business School, Department of Economics, Policy and International Business, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Daniel Plumley
- Department of Finance Accounting & Business Systems, Sheffield Business School, College of Business, Technology & Engineering, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK
| | - Martin J. Power
- Department of Sociology, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Girish Ramchandani
- Sport Industry Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK
| | - Mike Rayner
- School of Sport, Health and Exercise Science, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Nicolas Scelles
- Business School, Department of Economics, Policy and International Business, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Tracy Taylor
- College of Business and Law, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Tom Webb
- School of Sport, Health and Exercise Science, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Mathieu Winand
- Department of International Sport Management, LUNEX International University of Health, Exercise and Sports, Differdange, Luxembourg
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