Premier League clubs have been told to prepare for up to 500 away fans during the last two rounds of matches this season.
Sportsmail understands that Public Health England signed off on the principle of away fans at fixtures this season, on Thursday.
It marks a victory for the Premier League, which has been working hard to overcome scepticism among officials about the return of away supporters
Under the government's roadmap out of lockdown, clubs are preparing to allow up to 10,000 fans to return to stadiums - or 25 per cent of the capacity - which ever is lower.