UEFA gives the green light to the five changes in the European Championship

The UEFA Executive Committee has decided to extend and apply the five-change rule to the next European Championship, as well as abolishing the 30% limit on public attendance at stadiums, a decision that will ultimately remain in the hands of the different countries.

The measure of the five changes will also be applicable to the League of Nations and tries to minimize the physical impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the performance of footballers. In this way, all teams will be able to make up to a maximum of five changes in each of the matches they play in the tournament.

UEFA explains the decision it made at its meeting this Wednesday: “Given that the reasons for the use of the five-change rule remain valid in the context of national and international football calendars affected by the virus pandemic COVID-19, and since the rule is already in force for the World Cup qualifying matches to be played between March 2021 and March 2022, it was decided to extend the amendment to UEFA EURO 2020 in June / July 2021, to the UEFA Nations League Finals in October 2021 and to the qualifying rounds that will decide the relegation of the UEFA Nations League in March 2022.

Public in stadiums

Regarding the public capacity in the stadiums and the restrictions imposed by the coronavirus pandemic, the highest European football organization has decided to abolish the spectator attendance limit imposed by UEFA of a maximum of 30% of the capacity of the corresponding stadium, and leave the final decision in the hands of the different federations that will host the matches of the Eurocup.

The UEFA Executive Committee recalls that it revised its decision of October 1, 2020, which allowed the return of spectators to UEFA matches with up to 30% of their capacity. The committee decided that, in light of the fact that each of UEFA's 55 member associations faces a different situation when it comes to fighting the pandemic, such a limit is no longer necessary and that the decision on the number of viewers allowed should be the sole responsibility of the competent local / national authorities.

Fan travel

UEFA insists in its statement that, in view of the current travel restrictions and in order to enact reasonable and responsible policies to minimize risks related to COVID-19, the Executive Committee decided to confirm the decision of October 1, 2020 and not allowing visiting fans to attend UEFA competition matches. This is valid until before the club competition finals that will take place in May 2021.