Supporters will be able to buy alcohol at Champions League and Europa League games from next season 

Fans will be able to buy alcohol at Champions League and Europa League matches next season after UEFA changed their regulations.

Supporters were previously unable to purchase any form of alcohol inside stadiums and in UEFA’s private environs around grounds.

But the organisation’s executive committee have altered that rule and now national and local laws will apply. 

UEFA altered article 36 of their Safety and Security Regulations during a recent meeting.

The amended article now reads: ‘The match organiser may only sell or distribute alcohol within the stadium or its private environs if and within the limits permitted under the national and local law as applicable from time to time.’

The move has been welcomed by Football Supporters Europe, an organisation representing fans across the continent.

Ronan Evain, CEO of FSE, said: ‘For a long time football supporters have felt unfairly treated in comparison with fans of other sports like rugby, to say the least. 

‘It is not the sport you follow which makes you behave better or worse. 

‘Furthermore, the alcohol ban did not apply to VIP areas at football matches, causing a two-class society even within the stadia. 

‘Supporters felt that the alcohol banning policy was paternalistic, as there is absolutely no evidence or research to suggest that banning alcohol in a stadium has any bearing whatsoever on preventing or curtailing football-related disorder in and around it.’