"We want to thank both clubs and their fans, as well as the National Association of Supporters and the Portuguese Association for the Defense of Supporters, for the support provided in obtaining such a positive result. We expect a great atmosphere in both stadiums", can be read in the note published by UEFA on its account on a social network.

This public position of UEFA comes after the decision of the French police authorities to prohibit the entry of Benfica fans in the second leg game, at the Vélodrome, which led the 'incarnate' club, also alleging security reasons, to prohibit the fans of Marseille to access the Estádio da Luz.

In a statement, the Portuguese club revealed that it had been notified by the Gallic authorities of the prohibition of its fans in the second leg match, a scenario that resulted in an identical recommendation from the Portuguese police forces regarding the Marseille followers and which was accepted by the 'incarnates'.

UEFA welcomes the fact that away fans will be allowed to attend both legs of the @europaleague game between SL Benfica and Olympique de Marseille.⁰ ⁰We wish to thank both clubs and their fans, as well as @fanseurope, the Association Nationale des Supporters and the Associação…

— UEFA (@UEFA) April 11, 2024

The French law enforcement forces used the examples of incorrect behavior of Benfica fans in previous rounds, in the visits to Inter and Real Sociedad, respectively in Milan and San Sebastian, to decree that, between April 17 and 19, they are "prohibited" from accessing the Vélodrome stadium.

In view of this decision, Benfica once again contacted the national law enforcement forces "who warned - in view of this decision by the Gallic authorities - of the high potential risk regarding the presence of Marseille fans in Lisbon for the game at the Estádio da Luz".

However, the two clubs, with the approval of the police authorities of both countries, ended up reaching an understanding today to allow their respective fans to access both the Estádio da Luz and the Vélodrome Stadium within a week.

The first leg match between Benfica and Marseille is scheduled for today at the Estádio da Luz, starting at 8:00 pm, and will be refereed by Englishman Michael Oliver.

Leia Também: Roger Schmidt não mexe. Eis o onze do Benfica para defrontar o Marseille (Portuguese version)

Leia Também: Volte-face de última hora pode dar a adeptos do Marseille entrada na Luz (Portuguese version)