UEFA upholds the COVID protocol

UEFA finalizing the application of the protocol of measures against COVID which he put in place to allow the return of club and national team competitions after the emergence of the pandemic. In a circular sent to all clubs and federations, he announced that it was “the right time to take this step due to the current epidemiological situation, including the vaccination rate, as well as the current general evolution throughout Europe, and this strategy was made. discussed and assessed in the UEFA Protocol Advisory Panel.”

UEFA itself announces that it will spread in due time a “Guide to good practices”, where some specific recommendations and reasonable hygiene measures will be remembered, such as distancing from sensitive areas that affect the equipment. It will be the responsibility of the home team, taking into account the situation in their country, as well as the configuration of the stadium, to determine how to apply these practices, or any other relevant measures, in cooperation and discussion with the relevant UEFA match officials.

As a result of the interruption of the Protocol, UEFA also decided not to continue updating the relevant annexes containing the specially applicable rules. due to COVID-19, which are included in the UEFA competition regulations, as these rules are linked to the application of the Protocol. Rules such as the minimum number of players in a call in addition to the minimum number of players that can be on the field.

However, UEFA is committed to closely monitor the evolution of the pandemic and, in the event of a significant change in circumstances, it will propose appropriate measures to guarantee the safety of all those affected and the proper development of their competitions, including, if necessary, the re-application of the hygiene obligations and measures.

The only proposal that remains in effect is the five substitutions, approved by FIFA and the International Board that were carried out as a result of the pandemic.