Uefa warns players of ‘serious consequences’ if they breach safety protocols
The Champions League and Europa League are returning to action
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Your support makes all the difference.Top players have been warned that breaking coronavirus safety measures around Champions League and Europa League matches could jeopardise the return of international fixtures.
European football chiefs have released strict guidelines for clubs to follow when the continent’s leading club competitions resume this week. Uefa’s 31-page return-to-play protocols report warns that any breaches of the new medical and social distancing regulations could throw the impending international calendar into doubt.
England are due to face Iceland and Denmark in Nations League action in September, before further fixtures in the competition in November.
“Uefa expects all parties to adhere to hygiene best practices both in the controlled match environments, as well as in their private day-to-day lives,” the report reads. “It is therefore imperative that all precautions set out in this document, as well as the standard hygiene best practices, will be strictly adhered to by all members of these various groups.
“Non-respect of such social norms could have serious consequences for the staging of international matches.
“Players and everyone else involved should remember their actions, and adherence to the social distancing requirements in particular, not only to guarantee a safe environment to Uefa matches but also serve as a strong symbol for the millions of viewers around the world.
“Football stakeholders have a collective duty to show leadership and set an example in the rigorous application of these measures. Non-compliance with the obligations set out in the Uefa protocol may lead to disciplinary measures in accordance with the Uefa disciplinary regulations.”
Manchester City will host Real Madrid in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Friday, with Chelsea travelling to Germany to face Bayern Munich. Manchester United, Wolves and Rangers are all in Europa League action.
In publishing detailed logistical planning for testing in the build-up to and during Uefa competition, the European governing body also urged players not to swap shirts after matches.
“Players are recommended to refrain from swapping their shirts,” read the guidance.
Leading European medical diagnostic provider Synlab has been selected to carry out all Covid-19 testing for Uefa.
“The health of the players, staff, referees and everyone operating in the stadium is our main priority,” Uefa deputy secretary Giorgio Marchetti said. “This is why we are delighted to be partnering with an industry leader like Synlab who will help us ensure our competition matches are played in as-safe-as-possible environment.”
PA
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