Strict restrictive measures have been re-implemented in Switzerland as COVID-19 cases rise, including the closure of some sports facilities and new limitations on the number of spectators at events. 

Just 50 people will be allowed inside venues for ice hockey and football matches now, compared to the 1,000 that were allowed previously. 

In his response to the new restrictions, Stahl suggested decision-makers needed to be reminded of the importance of sport during the global health crisis. 

"Swiss Olympic is convinced that training in smaller groups, subject to strict adherence to protection concepts, is also possible in this situation, without hindering all of our main goal of containing the pandemic," Stahl said. 

"Especially in these difficult times, doing sports in clubs offers people in Switzerland a balance and contributes to their physical and mental health.

"Swiss Olympic will therefore advocate for a rapid relaxation of sport as soon as the epidemiological situation allows and support its associations and interest groups wherever possible in the meantime."

The National Olympic Committee did welcome a measure allowing children up to the age of 16 to take part in sport without restrictions, however. 

Switzerland's seven-day average of new COVID-19 cases stands at almost 8,000.