ATAC were represented at tonight’s Football Supporters Europe Summer 2020 Networking meeting.
It has been confirmed by UEFA to FSE today, that the closed door policy for all UEFA matches applies to all club, International and U21 international matches until further notice From this evening’s meeting, we understand that September’s Nations League matches will fall into UEFA’s closed door policy announced a few weeks back.
We are expecting an announcement in August with regards the October fixtures. UEFA may decide, in the interests of sporting fairness, all Nations League matches for this year are closed doors to prevent teams having an advantage in the later games Unsure as of yet if it applies to the October playoffs for @EURO2020 (2021).
We hope to receive further clarification from SFA & SSC next week.
The recent return of football behind closed doors has demonstrated that fans are the lifeblood of the game. Their presence in the stands has been sorely missed, and the spectacle we are accustomed to has been absent without them. It is therefore more important now than ever for supporters to be included in discussions that will determine the immediate and long-term future of the game.
These discussions should revolve around three core pillars.
First, the safe return of spectators. The impact of the virus is not evenly distributed—different countries have understandably adopted different measures at different times. Still, the health of players, staff, fans, and the general public must always come first. This means minimising the risk of the virus spreading in all settings. UEFA, national leagues, and football associations have acted in line with this principle, but it must remain our foremost concern. To this end, the return of spectators to stadia must be accompanied by a meaningful consultation with fans’ representatives at every level of the game on health safety protocols and other operational measures.
Second, a recognition that the contribution made by fans is irreplaceable. As such, we have significant concerns regarding attempts by broadcasters to replace or imitate the unique atmosphere produced by fans. Augmented reality technology, pre-recorded chants, and other forms of artificial support represent a rebuke to match-going fans. Empty stadia are a direct consequence of a public health crisis that has impacted every single one of us and the absence of fans cannot be compensated for by a computer simulation aimed at the amusement of television audiences.
Third, multi-stakeholder dialogue on the future of football. The coronavirus crisis has yet again shown that the current model of football is flawed, unfair, and unsustainable. Football needs to change dramatically. And it needs to change for the better. Any reform process must include fan representatives, on a local, national, and European level. Fans must be engaged and involved in decisions that relate to the wider future of the game, including the necessary overhaul of governance structures and financial regulations.
There can be no “return to normal.” Lasting change is needed to make the game sustainable from top to bottom, and fans stand ready to play a part in shaping that change.
ATAC’s Chair and Vice Chair, Martin Riddell, and Graeme Baxter, attended a meeting earlier this week at the invitation of the Major Events Team at Scottish Government, to discuss the UEFA European Championship (Scotland) Bill following its introduction at the end of September. The basis of the bill is to put protections in place for the Euro’s next year taking place, and impacting supporters, in Scotland. This involves stringent legislation on ticket touting, advertising, and street trading, along with the provision to police and enforcement officers to implement fully.
Ticket Touting and the resale of tickets for any kind of profit, for matches in Glasgow, or by individuals in Scotland, will be a criminal offence, in addition to breaching conditions set out by UEFA. We would encourage anyone wishing to attend the matches to apply for tickets through UEFA, or in the event of Scotland qualifying, the Scotland Supporters Club / SFA. Restrictions on advertising and street trading will be in place at Hampden, a perimeter surrounding the stadium, and within the event zones to be located within the City Centre.
ATAC are fully supportive of the measures being put in place to protect supporters, and will keep supporters up to date on further developments as the tournament nears. You can keep up to date on its progression through parliament by visiting the Scottish Government website
At yesterdays meeting with the SSC and SFA Security, we briefly discussed the November match in Cyprus. The Cypriot FA have stringent ID checks as part of the ticket sale process, and every member will be required to required to input a passport number at point of sale. The SFA will share more information in due course, upon return from Russia, but were happy for us to provide a heads up to supporters.
ATAC met with the SSC and SFA Security team yesterday to discuss the upcoming trip to Russia. The SFA’s pre match travel information will be issued on Tuesday, and will contain details about the trip, ticket collection, and do’s and don’t whilst in Moscow. Tickets for the match will be posted out early Tuesday by the SSC.
ATAC will be issuing the supporters Sporran Guide later in the week, so keep an eye on our website and social media.
