UEFA to Allow Some Fans Into Matches Following Successful Super Cup Pilot

UEFA have announced that fans will be partially allowed to return to stadiums if local regulations permit it.

The decision comes after a successful pilot event was staged at the UEFA Super Cup final in Budapest. At that game, around 20,000 socially distanced supporters watched Bayern Munich triumph after extra time against Sevilla.

Now, more fans will be able to enjoy football in the future, though stadiums will only be allowed to be filled to 30% capacity.

"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," a statement read.

"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 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.

"Social distancing will be mandatory for spectators and additional precautionary measures, such as the wearing of masks must be implemented in accordance with local regulations."

The news was welcomed by UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin, who said he expected the decision to bring "hope and passion back into the lives of football fans".

The new regulations will not apply to any games in England, with the government still not allowing any 'elite' football - which includes anything above Step 3 of the Non-League pyramid - to permit spectators.