The Durand Cup may see a return of fans in the later stages if the pandemic situation doesn’t deteriorate in the state.

“We are thinking of allowing fans in the stands depending on the Covid-19 situation… May be from the quarter-final stage or semi-finals,” Lt Gen KK Repswal, chief of staff, Eastern Command, said at a news conference at Fort William on Thursday.

Bengal has allowed stadiums to fill in 50 per cent of their capacities.

Chief minister Mamata Banerjee will inaugurate the tournament on Sunday.