Sporting events in Russia are currently taking place in front of a limited number of spectators, with the maximum number of fans allowed decided by local authorities. 

A limited number of supporters have been allowed to attend football matches since June and an estimated 30,000 people turned out each day for Formula One's Russian Grand Prix at Sochi’s Olympic Park in September. 

In a number of regions, there has been a ban on allowing fans into sporting events. 

Matytsin said he was working on allowing more spectators into events, but could not guarantee anything due to the unpredictability of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

"I always say that the Ministry of Sports is not a forecasting service," he said, as reported by Russian state news agency TASS. 

"We are doing our best together with the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing, federations and clubs, working out in detail the regulations that will minimise the risks of illness, including the section on visiting stadiums. 

"But no one guarantees that certain events will take place, each region has its own situation.

"Together with the governors and the management of the clubs we make a decision. 

"We will do everything possible so that the sport does not remain without spectators and this atmosphere does not leave the stadiums and our lives."

Russia has struggled to contain coronavirus and is the fourth most impacted country in the world. 

It has reported more than 1.5 million cases and 27,300 deaths so far. 

Earlier this week, Matytsin had to urge athletes to "respect" the COVID-19 rules after it was revealed that 81 Russian athletes in training camps had tested positive for coronavirus since May.