Updates to the UEFA Return to Play Protocol confirmed
Tuesday, May 17, 2022
Article summary
UEFA Protocol continues to evolve, reflecting the European situation
Article top media content
Article body
The UEFA Executive Committee approved further amendments to the UEFA Return to Play Protocol in April.
The newly approved amendments, which were thoroughly discussed and evaluated in consultation with the UEFA Protocol Advisory Panel, reflect the evolution of the situation in Europe and the relaxing of measures by the relevant authorities, as well as in the majority of the domestic leagues.
The new approved changes also allow for a return of some important broadcast, media and sponsor activities that have until now been prohibited.
The main changes to the UEFA Return to Play Protocol v7 are as follows:
• Medical principles:
- With regards to the entry requirements to Zone 1, the obligation for teams to present a COVID certification (showing vaccination, recovery or negative test) is removed.
- All COVID-19 related testing requirements are, apart from team delegation members who are displaying COVID-19 related symptoms, removed. In this regard, it will be the respective team doctor's responsibility to confirm that only asymptomatic or negative tested players are participating in the relevant UEFA competition match.
With regards to face masks, the mandatory use of masks for teams and for all working staff will remain only in closed environments within Zone 1, as well as for working staff in other indoor areas in close proximity to team delegation members (e.g in press conference rooms). Masks will no longer be mandatory in outdoor areas of Zone 1 or in indoor areas in other zones of the stadium.
• Operational principles:
- Under certain conditions, it is permitted for photographers are allowed back in pre-determined pitchside Zone 1 areas before and after the match, for mixed zones to be organised again and for player and referee escorts to again be allowed on the pitch.