Published 19:08 IST, September 25th 2019
UEFA wants teams to avoid playing where women have restricted rights
UEFA president, Aleksander Ceferin announced that he would urge teams to not play in those countries where women have restricted access to the stadiums
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The President of the Union of European Football Associations, Aleksander Ceferin said on September 24 that it would recommend to all the 55 national associations along with the European clubs to not play matches in the countries where women have to face restrictions to access the stadiums. The governing body's ruling executive committee, however, did not mention the countries which would be impacted by this decision. Iran has been the centre of attention since the female fan set herself on fire as a protest against her arrest for attending the match. She attended an Esteghlal FC game dressed as a man and later, lost her life.
Associations taking a stand
Associations have started taking affirmatives for women rights and to revoke the restrictions women have in the stadium. The world governing the body of FIFA has also said that it has been assured by Iranian authorities that the World Cup qualifier that on October 10 in Tehran against Cambodia will be open to women. However, Ceferin also said that UEFA did not have the power to punish the European teams who might choose to play in countries that do not allow women in the stadium.
The UEFA president emphasized that he has strong support from the entire organization for this approach. The announcement also said that clubs should not play where the basic rights are not allowed for women. Reportedly, the Italian football authorities faced heavy criticism for organizing a match in Saudi Arabia where the women are not allowed.
UEFA Champions League finals
On September 25, UEFA announced the venues for the upcoming final matches of the League. The finals will be played at the home stadiums of Zenit St. Petersburg, Bayern Munich, and England's national team. These stadiums will also host the 2020 games of UEFA. The 2021 Super Cup will be played at the Northern Ireland's stadium in Belfast. Moreover, video review will be used in the League starting in February. The European football governing body also awards the hosting rights one year at a time but decided for longer-term planning only this year.
(With inputs from AP)
16:19 IST, September 25th 2019