It all cedes precedence to national ways of handling the pandemic but UEFA has laid down a marker for the return of fans to stadia for major games and in significant numbers.

Where national regulations permit, UEFA will allow stadia to operate to up to 30 per cent of their maximum capacity, starting with next week’s round of international matches.

It will not apply to the Republic of Ireland game in Slovakia due to their government having similarly tight restrictions to Dublin.  Nor would it override our own restrictions which would at present allow for only 100 or 200 fans in a ground around the country and none yet in Dublin or Donegal.

It is likely though to be a first marker on the staging of the Euro 2020 Finals and depending on the way that the virus and a potential vaccine develop it could become one of the criteria for staging games in Dublin.

The FAI has welcomed the announcement and has said it will now discuss the developments with the Irish Government.

It is currently in discussion with the GAA and the IRFU about a pathway to bringing fans back and the detail and scientific back up behind UEFA’s decision will be a resource that can be used in that.

The Finnish FA has informed the FAI that they expect to have home supporters present for the UEFA Nations League clash with Ireland in Helsinki on Wednesday, October 14th.

“This is a major step forward for football and a timely boost for the FAI,” said Interim CEO Gary Owens.

“We are currently working with our colleagues in the IRFU and the GAA on a joint proposal to Government to facilitate the return of fans to all our games.”

“This is another step in the right direction and we will look forward to outlining it to Government and examining what it means for Irish football.”

“Any decision to allow fans back to UEFA fixtures featuring Irish international and club teams will, of course, be taken in conjunction with all Government agencies and with the safety of those supporters our prime concern.”

UEFA has published an eight-page guide on what would be required to stage a game safely.  It is based on the pilot of the UEFA Super Cup game that took place in Budapest on September 24th and can be read in full here.

‘UEFA Minimum Health and Hygiene Requirements for the Return of Spectators‘