The UEFA Executive Committee today confirmed and sent the "Return to Play Protocol v5" to all participating clubs in European competition. Away supporters will be permitted in the group stage of all UEFA tournaments, while national entry rules and stadium access regulations will still apply.

"We welcome this decision and consider it right and reasonable. Within the scope of their organisational independence, the clubs can assume their responsibility for orderly procedures in the stadiums. Fans have the opportunity to accompany and support their clubs to special moments," said Dirk Zingler, president of 1. FC Union Berlin.

"However, the late timing of the decision unfortunately shows a lack of respect for the concerns of football fans. The first matches will take place in the coming week and meaningful planning is made unnecessarily difficult for most people in this way. This consideration has obviously not played any role at all with the UEFA Executive Committee. This is regrettable and it should change in the future."

Next Thursday (18:45), 1. FC Union Berlin will start the UEFA Europa Conference League group stages with an away trip to Czech champions Slavia Prague. After coordination with our next opponents Slavia Prague, allocation, prices and sales dates will be confirmed in due course.