25 February 2008

VIENNA, Austria - Fans wishing to light up at Euro 2008 matches will be free to do so as neither Austria nor co-hosts Switzerland play to apply a smoking ban in the stadiums.

News reports in both countries said domestic law permitted smoking in the stadiums and that Europe's football body UEFA will also not insist on a cigarette ban.

However, cigarettes will not be sold in the eight stadiums and a smoking ban does apply to coaches and their staff on the sideline, given their status as role models.