Away fans were previously not permitted to attend fixtures in the qualifying rounds, including the play-off round.

In a statement by the FSE, the news was confirmed and is subject to local restrictions.

The FSE is an independent, democratic, & non-profit association of football fans and has members in over 45 UEFA nations.

The statement reads: “CONFIRMED: Return of away fans at UEFA club competitions.

“FSE can confirm that away fans will be permitted to attend European club competitions matches from next week. (local restrictions & travel requirement might still apply).”

The group had previously lobbied for away fans to be permitted to attend fixtures ahead of the 2021/22 season.

In their previous statement, the organisation said: “Football Supporters Europe (FSE) is opposed to a blanket ban on away fans at UEFA club and national team competition fixtures.

“International travel is currently permitted for many citizens in the UEFA region. Football fans should not be subject to specific exclusions, which amount to a form of unequal treatment.

“This view is shared by a number of clubs and other stakeholders.”

They used Dutch fans as an example after quoting AFC Ajax Chief Executive Edwin Van Der Sar.

“As things stand, however, a group of Dutch fans, for example, can visit France, go to a cinema, music festival, and sporting event together, but still be barred from attending their own club’s match in a stadium that is filled with home fans.

“FSE therefore believes that guidelines on away fans should be decided on a case-by-case basis in line with the local public health situation and advice of the relevant public authorities—which the overwhelming majority of fans have respected throughout the pandemic and fully understand are liable to change.

“We have communicated this position to UEFA and asked for a timely re-evaluation of its existing policy before the fixture list is announced so that fans have ample opportunity to make any travel-related decisions.”

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Rovers come into the game in good form going unbeaten in their last six home games. They have gotten three wins in a row in the league.

They were placed in the Europa Conference League after beating Slovan Bratislava but losing on aggregate in the Champions League qualifiers. 1,500 home tickets have been sold for the game, with the fans bringing some well-needed atmosphere to the tie.

Neil Farrugia will be the only player missing for Rovers as Graham Burke was passed fit to play the game.

Manager Stephen Bradley is optimistic of Rovers chances in the game, especially with the good form they are in.

Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Bradley said:

“The players are playing with a lot of confidence, and we’ll obviously look to take that into Thursday night. Again, we understand at this level of Europe it’s a very difficult game, that’s what we expect but we couldn’t be facing into it at a better time.

“We’re in really good form and it’s a game that we’re really looking forward to. It excites us, and we’ve got to try and make Thursday another special European night in Tallaght.”

𝐀𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐢𝐠 𝐄𝐮𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐚𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝 @tallaghtstadium #RoversInEurope pic.twitter.com/UM1eF7LmgC

— Shamrock Rovers FC (@ShamrockRovers) August 5, 2021

Although they have high hopes, Bradley is making sure the squad knows that they will face tough opposition tonight.

“We’ve learned that they’re a very dangerous team going forward. We’ve watched a lot of their games; the players have seen a lot of them now and we know that they’re dangerous,” added the manager.

“So, we know a lot about them, we know it’s going to be difficult tie but it’s one we’re really looking forward to and we’re ready for.

” They’re a different type of player and tactically very clever in the attacking part of the pitch but similar to what we’ve faced. Some really technical players and when you play at this level in Europe, that’s what you face. ”

The bookies had made Rovers heavy favourites for the European game. Hopefully this will be one victory of many for Irish teams tonight.

Dundalk also face Vitesse away at 18:00.

This is our starting XI for this evening's game in Holland.⁣
⁣
Vinny Perth makes one change to the side that won in Estonia last week. Michael Duffy returns in place of Will Patching.⁣
⁣
You can stream the game live for just €10 on #LOITV. pic.twitter.com/TvkupnejmG

— Dundalk FC (@DundalkFC) August 5, 2021

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Champions League

The draw announced that League of Ireland (LOI) winners Shamrock Rovers will face SK Slovan Bratislava in Champions League qualifying.

The first leg will be played away on the 6^th or 7^th July. The return game will be in Tallaght on the 13^th or 14^th July.

The last time an Irish side faced the Slovakian champions was in 2019 when Dundalk lost 4-1 on aggregate in the third round of qualifying for the Europa League.

The second-round draw on Wednesday morning revealed that the winner of the tie would play against Swiss league winners BSC Young Boys.

As Ireland’s representatives in the Champions League, Rovers are already guaranteed €810,000.

The second-round draw also announced that Celtic will play against Danish club FC Midtjylland.

𝗨𝗘𝗙𝗔 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗠𝗣𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦 𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗚𝗨𝗘 𝗗𝗥𝗔𝗪 |

Shamrock Rovers FC will face Slovan Bratislava in the 2021/22 UEFA Champions League 1st Qualifying Round.

Rovers will be away in the 1st leg.

Dates & kick-off times TBC.#RoversInEurope pic.twitter.com/CT3KoY6kKT

— Tipperary Hoops (@TipperaryHoops) June 15, 2021

Europa Conference League

Ireland will have no sides in the first round of qualifying for the Europa League. Instead, the newly formed Europa Conference League will have three Irish teams competing.

The draw announced that club Bohemians will be facing Icelandic team Stjarnan in the first round.

Sligo Rovers will also play Icelandic opposition with FH Hafnarfjorour in their first European game.

After winning the FAI cup, Dundalk will face against Welsh team Newtown AFC.

The first leg of each of these matches will start on the 8^th of July and the return leg will be the following week on the 15^th July.

If Shamrock Rovers lose to their Slovakian opponents, they will be given a bye into the third round of the Europa Conference League qualifying.

Here are the results from the first Europa Conference League Draw?!#UECL pic.twitter.com/1np7SP4lF2

— UEFA Europa Conference League (@EuropaConLeague) June 15, 2021

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