UEFA lifts ban on away fans

By Selcuk Bugra Gokalp

ANKARA (AA) - European football authority UEFA decided Monday not to extend a ban on fans attending away matches in Europe.

The UEFA Executive Committee approved amendments to the fifth edition of the UEFA Return to Play Protocol, which sets out the framework of sanitary and hygiene-related procedures as well as operational protocols to be applied at UEFA competition matches.

The update to version 5 of the protocol allows all individuals who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and/or have recovered from the virus to attend public events without further testing.

Away fans are now allowed to attend matches and 5% of the total allowed stadium capacity will be reserved to them.

Previously, away team supporters were not allowed at UEFA organized matches due to COVID-19 measures.

It was also decided to remove the mandatory distancing requirements in outdoor working areas which may allow higher numbers of the media to attend matches.

Monday's decision remains subject to any requirements imposed by the relevant national or local authorities.