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Postcards from the edge: Snapshots of European football’s return

In the shadows of Germany’s Bundesliga, football is gradually restarting in countries across Europe, in almost all cases behind closed doors, with the exception of Hungary where supporters have been allowed to return.
From plastic fans in Poland, to virtual fans in Denmark, drive-in spectators in the Czech Republic and a title coronation in Serbia, AFP takes a look at a weekend of football in times of the coronavirus.
Fans return in Hungary
Forgotten sounds resonated in grounds across Hungary this weekend as songs, the beating of drums and the sense of excitement which spreads throughout the crowd when the ball nears the goal all returned for the first time since March.
After two months without spectators, sports venues reopened their doors to the public this weekend in Hungary, the first country to welcome supporters back to the stands, on the condition that every other row is left empty and only one in four seats is occupied.
“We will respect the rules because there could be games behind closed doors again if we mess up,” said Richard Kovacs, 36, one of the 2,255 fans at Diosgyor’s match against Mezokovesd.
“All that worries us is knowing if we’re going to win or lose, not the epidemic,” said Gabor Lengyel, 41, suggesting that football, and by extension life for some, is approaching a return to normal.
Poland home to plastic supporters

Poland will follow Hungary’s lead with fans able to attend matches from June 19, although stadiums will be limited to a quarter of capacity.
In the meantime, the league restarted on Friday behind closed doors with noisy, hardcore Polish fans forced to adapt. Supporters of Pogon Szczecin arranged a guard of honour, holding aloft flares every 10 metres on the road leading to the stadium.
Lechia Gdansk relied on some private support on Sunday against Arka Gdynia, with photos of some 200 fans printed onto plastic backgrounds and placed in the stands.
The photos cost 75 zlotys (17 euros, $19) and will eventually be returned to fans taking part in the initiative once signed by their favourite player.
Czech drive-in cinemas
The second weekend of the Czech league since the season’s resumption saw defending champions and leaders Slavia Plague thrash Jablonec 5-0 at an empty Eden Arena on Saturday.

However, it wasn’t totally deserted as the club placed 1,000 plastic photos of players in the stands while giving fans the chance to do likewise for roughly 500 koruna (19 euros, $20), half of which will go to Slavia’s youth teams. Around 500 ‘fans’ made it for kick-off.
To liven up the eerie atmosphere, Sparta Prague and Viktoria Plzen are pumping out team songs during their games. For Wednesday’s meeting between the two they set up drive-in cinemas in both Prague and Plzen.
“We weren’t able to go to the stadium because of the situation. I saw about this opportunity on social media so my friend and I bought tickets and came. It’s very different, we’re not really screaming and we miss the stadium, it’s impossible to replace,” Sparta fan Petr Svoboda, who watched the 2-1 loss to Plzen, told AFP.
Stankovic’s Red Star champions in Serbia

Despite their reputation and the clinching of a title — the first in Europe since football’s return — typically boisterous Serbian supporters remained calm as the league resumed Friday behind closed doors.
Rad Belgrade hosted city rivals Red Star in the biggest match, where a 5-0 victory for the visitors secured them a 31st league title.
Anyone expecting a sea of supporters flocking to the streets to celebrate was disappointed. Only a hundred or so hardcore fans gathered outside Red Star’s ground to toast the newly-crowned champions while mobbing the club’s coach, former Inter Milan midfielder Dejan Stankovic, outside the Marakana.
Virtual supporters in Denmark

After a near three-month hiatus, the Danish league returned Thursday as AGF took on Randers in Aarhus in a 1-1 draw behind closed doors.
On the eve of the match the Aarhus club had invited eager fans to stick banners, flags and other cardboard cut-outs in the stands, far from the usual ambiance expected for a clash between two Jutland rivals.
Aarhus supporter Liva Hansen, 28, followed the match on TV and via popular videoconferencing platform Zoom along with a group of friends.
All five were part of a virtual audience of 30,000 people, whose images were beamed onto giant screens around the pitch.
“No doubt, that helped,” Aarhus coach David Nielsen told Danish tabloid Ekstra Bladet. “It created a little alternative atmosphere, specific to 2020.”
“It’s a good solution but obviously I would have preferred to be in the stands,” said Hansen. “It was nice to be able to see the other fans and their reactions, during the good moments but also during the less good!”
Reporting and photos: AFP
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New era of luxury Wellness: Pilates Reformer arrives at St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort

Setting a new standard in luxury wellness, the iconic St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is expanding its holistic offerings with the introduction of Pilates Reformer—a dynamic full-body workout renowned for its ability to lengthen, strengthen, and restore. Against the backdrop of turquoise waters and lush island serenity, guests will soon be invited to experience this transformative practice as part of a thoughtfully curated wellness journey.
With a growing global demand for integrative fitness experiences, Pilates Reformer has become a favourite for those seeking mindful movement and functional strength. Utilising a specially designed apparatus, the method elevates traditional Pilates through resistance-based training that enhances flexibility, balance, and core stability, while remaining gentle on the joints. At St. Regis Maldives, certified instructors will guide guests through personalised sessions tailored to a variety of goals, from rehabilitation and toning to posture improvement and stress relief.
The addition of Pilates Reformer complements the resort’s deep-rooted commitment to wellness, extending far beyond conventional spa treatments. Central to this philosophy is the overwater Iridium Spa—a serene sanctuary that offers more than indulgence. Guests can engage in Ayurvedic consultations, guided meditation, and holistic health screenings conducted by in-house wellness doctors. These screenings integrate Heart Rate Variability (HRV) technology with the ancient Ayurvedic technique of Nadi Pareeksha, a traditional pulse diagnosis, to identify imbalances and customise each guest’s path to optimal well-being.
Whether seeking deep relaxation, detoxification, or enhanced physical performance, the resort’s integrative approach ensures that every element of a guest’s stay contributes to overall wellness. Daily yoga, breathwork sessions, oceanfront meditation, and nutrition guidance are seamlessly woven into the island’s natural rhythm to create a truly transformative retreat.
Private Pilates Reformer classes will be offered to suit all experience levels, providing an inspiring way for guests to reconnect with both body and mind. With its iconic overwater villas, pristine beaches, and impeccable service, St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort continues to redefine luxury through the lens of well-being.
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Game on! Upcoming Meyyafushi unveils Maldives’ first overwater padel court

Get ready for a unique sporting experience in paradise! Meyyafushi Maldives, the highly anticipated new resort from the owners and operators of Fushifaru Maldives, has teased an extraordinary amenity on its social media channels: an overwater padel tennis court. Set to open in October 2025, Meyyafushi Maldives is already generating buzz, and this innovative addition is sure to elevate its appeal.
Building on the established success of Fushifaru Maldives, known for its intimate atmosphere and stunning natural beauty in Lhaviyani Atoll, Meyyafushi Maldives promises a similar commitment to exceptional hospitality and unforgettable experiences. While details about the new resort have been gradually unfolding, the recent reveal of the overwater padel tennis court marks a significant and exciting development.
Padel tennis, a popular racquet sport that combines elements of tennis, squash, and badminton, is gaining traction globally. However, Meyyafushi Maldives is taking the game to a whole new level – literally. Imagine the thrill of a friendly (or perhaps a fiercely competitive!) match with the breathtaking backdrop of the turquoise Maldivian waters stretching out beneath the court. The social media post showcasing the court hints at a truly exceptional spot to engage in some active fun with loved ones while soaking in the unparalleled scenery.

This pioneering amenity underscores Meyyafushi Maldives’ dedication to offering distinctive and memorable experiences for its guests. It signals a resort that is not only focused on relaxation and natural beauty but also on providing unique and engaging activities. The overwater padel tennis court is poised to become a signature feature, attracting sports enthusiasts and those seeking novel ways to enjoy their Maldivian getaway.
As Meyyafushi Maldives gears up for its October 2025 opening, the introduction of the first overwater padel tennis court in the Maldives adds another compelling reason to anticipate its arrival. This innovative amenity promises a memorable and picturesque sporting experience, further solidifying the resort’s position as a noteworthy addition to the Maldivian hospitality landscape.
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Ifuru Island Maldives takes part in Burunu Boma sport fishing tournament

Ifuru Island Maldives has announced its participation in the inaugural Burunu Boma Sport Fishing Tournament, taking place from 2 to 4 May 2025. Organized by the Visit Maldives Club (VMC), this premier event aims to position the Maldives as a leading destination for sustainable sport fishing.
As one of the select resorts competing in this prestigious tournament, Team Ifuru Maldives will showcase its commitment to marine conservation and responsible tourism. The competition emphasizes “catch and release” practices, aligning with global efforts to preserve marine biodiversity.
Participants will target species such as marlin, sailfish, mahi-mahi, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, swordfish, and bigeye tuna, with a grand prize of USD 25,000 awarded to the top-performing team. The event also features live entertainment and a festive atmosphere, celebrating the Maldives’ rich fishing heritage.
“We are thrilled to be part of Burunu Boma and to represent Ifuru Island Maldives in this landmark event,” said Marcel Sawyer, General Manager at Ifuru Island Maldives. “Our participation underscores our dedication to sustainable practices and our passion for the ocean that surrounds us.”
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