UEFA bans vuvuzela from its competition matches

European football’s governing organization announced on Wednesday the immediate ban on vuvuzelas at all Union of European Football Associations matches in order to protect the culture of football.

A statement released on Wednesday by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) notes the immediate ban of the vuvuzela - a controversial trumpet that gained world-wide prominence during the recent FIFA World Cup in South Africa - in stadiums where UEFA competition matches are played so that the “culture and tradition” of European football might be protected. The UEFA statement noted that while the vuvuzela was appropriate for the World Cup, where it added a “touch of local flavor and folklore,” its widespread use in Europe “would not be appropriate.” The statement, in part, reads: “European football's governing body has informed its 53 member associations that it has taken the move for reasons related to Europe's football culture and tradition, saying that the atmosphere at matches would be changed by the sound of the vuvuzela.” The statement continues: “The World Cup was characterized by the vuvuzela's widespread and permanent use in the stands. In the specific context of South Africa, the vuvuzela adds a touch of local flavor and folklore, but UEFA feels that the instrument's widespread use would not be appropriate in Europe, where a continuous loud background noise would be emphasized.” The organization also notes the interaction between fans and players is impacted by the continuous droning sound of the vuvuzela which overpowers the crowd’s reactions during games. The statement added that: “The magic of football consists of the two-way exchange of emotions between the pitch and the stands, where the public can transmit a full range of feelings to the players. However, UEFA is of the view that the vuvuzelas would completely change the atmosphere, drowning supporter emotions and detracting from the experience of the game.” The UEFA noted the tradition and culture of European football - singing, chanting, etc. - is vital to the game and the immediate ban of the vuvuzela will “avoid the risk” of the trumpet’s negative effects.