How are 30,000 set to attend Hungary-England despite UEFA ban for racist abuse?

England open their Nations League campaign with a trip to face Hungary on Saturday evening in a match scheduled to take place behind closed doors – although there are now expected to be around 30,000 in attendance.

Sanctions imposed on the Hungarian Football Federation for the recent behaviour of their supporters meant they were prevented from selling tickets for the clash at the Puskas Arena.

So how have they been able to almost half-fill the 67,000-seater venue? Here, the PA news agency examines the issue.

The Puskas Arena was one of the venues selected to host matches during Euro 2020, staging two of Hungary’s group-stage matches as well as the 2-2 Group F draw between France and Portugal and the Czech Republic’s round-of-16 victory over Holland.

During those games, supporters displayed homophobic banners and aimed racist abuse at players, leading to UEFA charges.

Hungary were subsequently ordered to play their next three UEFA-organised fixtures behind closed doors, with the third match ban suspended for two years.

Sadly not.

The HFF was hit with a two-match stadium ban by FIFA last year after England players were racially abused during a 4-0 World Cup qualifying win in Budapest.

The game was played in front of a full stadium despite taking place after UEFA’s sanctions had been dished out – with the bans only applicable to matches under the jurisdiction of the relevant governing body.

A fine of over £150,000 was issued following a FIFA investigation, with the second match of the stadium ban suspended for two years.

UEFA’s rules for those who can attend a match being played behind closed doors is covered in article 73 of its disciplinary regulations.

There are capped numbers allowed for VIP guests (20 per association),