UEFA warns against protocol breaches during UCL and UEL

Nyon, Aug 5 European football governing body UEFA has warned clubs against protocol breaches when Champions League (UCL) and Europa League (UEL) returns this week.

The two tournaments will resume after they were halted abruptly in March due to coronavirus pandemic. The revamped schedule sees teams participating in the two different competitions this month and UEFA has sent out an advisory ahead of the matches.

The clubs have been directed to follow the protocols put in place by UEFA and in case of breaches, future of the venue to host international matches will be in jeopardy.

"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 protocols read as per BBC Sport.

"It is 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."

Several protocols have been put in place for the safety of everyone involved with the two continental tournaments. From wearing masks, to testing of players, to using chartered flights for travel, UEFA have put forward strict rules, which if broken, will attract heavy sanctions.

UEFA had earlier announced that remaining UCL second leg Round of 16 matches will be played in Turin, Manchester, Munich and Barcelona respectively on August 7 and 8.

The quarter-finals will be played in Lisbon between August 12-15 followed by semi-finals on August 18-19. The final will be played at the Stadium of Light in Lisbon on August 23.

As for the Europa League, the last-16 matches will be played on August 6-7 followed by quarter-finals on August 11-12. The semi-finals is scheduled to be played on August 17-18 followed by the finale on August 22.

( With inputs from IANS )