UEFA warns September is too early to let fans back in for international matches

August 17 – UEFA has decided that September is too early to allow limited fans back into international matches according to Scottish FA chief executive Ian Maxwell.

However, a UEFA spokesperson insists no final decision has yet to be made, with a review “planned around mid-August”.

Scotland had hoped their Nations League opener at home to Israel on September 4 would be a test event played in front of a limited crowd.

Despite the varying travel and quarantine restrictions in different countries, Maxwell is confident the September matches will go ahead as planned – but without any supporters.

“I was on a national associations call with UEFA last week and they said they were not permitting spectators for any national team matches in the September window,” he told the local Scottish BBC station.

“I am expecting them to confirm that this week. We are still in conversation with the Scottish government on a number of issues and one of those is the return of spectators. Those conversations will continue.”

However, said Maxwell, the games themselves will be given a green light by UEFA.

“The September games should be OK – football across Europe is starting to get back. UEFA have produced really extensive documentation in terms of what will be required from national associations because there will be players coming together from across the globe.”

“The protocols and testing regimes that UEFA have put in place, they are confident that shouldn’t give us any issues. And having reviewed that we are of a similar opinion.”

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