On Monday night, UEFA announced that limitations on away fans attending continental competition matches had been abolished. This follows a lengthy conference between the governing body of European football and all the clubs competing in their leagues.
As a result, in the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League, as well as international fixtures, a ticket allotment of about 5% of the stadium’s capacity will now be available for visiting fans. Before the COVID-19 epidemic, that was the maximum number of away fans who could attend.
Previously, away fans were not permitted to attend qualifying matches, including the play-off round. The news was confirmed by the FSE in a statement, and it is subject to local regulations.
The statement reads: “CONFIRMED: Return of away fans at UEFA club competitions. FSE can confirm that away fans will be permitted to attend European club competitions matches from next week. (local restrictions & travel requirement might still apply).”
In their previous statement, the organization said: “Football Supporters Europe (FSE) is opposed to a blanket ban on away fans at UEFA club and national team competition fixtures.”
“International travel is currently permitted for many citizens in the UEFA region. Football fans should not be subject to specific exclusions, which amount to a form of unequal treatment.
“This view is shared by a number of clubs and other stakeholders.”
The FSE is a non-profit, democratic, and independent association of football enthusiasts with members from over 45 UEFA countries. Ahead of the 2021/22 season, the group has fought for away fans to be allowed to attend games.
The news will come as a tremendous relief to Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, and West Ham United fans, who are all due to begin their European campaigns later this month.
Only official government regulations for countries attempting to contain the virus will be used to sell tickets. As a result, fixtures will be evaluated on a game-by-game basis following local criteria, beginning next week.
Furthermore, players who have been doubly vaccinated and/or recovered from COVID-19 will no longer be required to undergo pre-match testing, albeit this is subject to local restrictions.
