UEFA games may host fans, says the UEFA Executive Committee

UEFA have announced that limited fans will be permitted to return to the ground if local authorities have no issues with it. 

The decision was finalized after the UEFA Super Cup final saw the stadium filled with 20,000 socially distanced supporters in Budapest witnessing Bayern’s edgy triumph against Sevilla.

This will enable the fans to enjoy the game live. However, it should be noted that only 30% of the stadium’s capacity will be allowed to fill. 

A statement announcing the decision was released. It read, “The UEFA Executive Committee today (Thursday) decided, following the successful pilot match that was held at the UEFA Super Cup in Budapest on 24 September, to allow the partial return of spectators for UEFA matches where local laws permit, starting from next week’s national team matches.”

“The number of spectators will be capped at a maximum of 30 percent of the respective stadium capacity and away supporters will not be allowed into the games until further notice. 

Both the admission of fans and the capacity limit are subject to the decision of local authorities. UEFA matches cannot be played with spectators where local authorities do not allow it and the limit of 30% may be reached only where the limit set by local authorities is not lower, in which case such limit would apply.”

It also mentioned the significance of social distancing in the process apart from the additional precautionary measures like wearing masks, etc. The regulations are not valid in England, with the government not allowing any ‘elite’ football, which included anything above step 3 of the Non-League pyramid to permit spectators. 

England has lagged behind in the race of getting rid of the COVID-19. However, the decision taken could possibly aggravate the current situation, also increasing the threat of spreading among the players.

The news was also welcomed by the UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin, who said the decision will bring hope and passion back into the lives of supporters.

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