Unvaccinated Real Madrid, Chelsea players may be banned from Champions League games in France

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic was unable to play in this year's Australian Open and was ultimately deported from that country due to his unwillingness to receive one of the safe and available COVID-19 vaccines coupled with Australia's rules regarding unvaccinated individuals entering its borders. 

It appears similar protocols could soon impact club football's top cup competition. 

ESPN's James Olley reports that unvaccinated Real Madrid and Chelsea players may be prevented from participating in UEFA Champions League matches in France after that country approved a law requiring individuals to show proof they're vaccinated against the coronavirus or that they've recently recovered from COVID-19 to enter public places, including sporting venues. 

Real Madrid are set to play at Paris Saint-Germain on Feb. 15, while Chelsea will visit Lille for the second leg of that tie on March 16. It's unclear exactly how many players may be affected by France's new protocols. 

"UEFA is liaising with the relevant stakeholders across Europe ahead of the resumption of UEFA's club competitions in February," the governing body told ESPN via a statement. "The specific conditions under which matches are played in each country are subject to the decisions of the competent authorities in that country.

"Each team will in principle be required to comply with the applicable rules in the country where the match takes place, but the specific competition Annexes -- still under elaboration -- which contain special rules due to COVID-19 applicable to the knockout phase, may provide further guidance in this regard."

UEFA adds that neutral countries could be considered for such games but also that "the home club must propose a suitable alternative venue ... which may be in a neutral country" when a visiting team is impacted by COVID-19 restrictions. 

French sports minister Roxana Maracineanu has said the country's guidelines apply to "all spectators, athletes, French or foreign professionals," which suggests footballers will not receive exemptions for the Champions League or any other competition. 

On the subject of unvaccinated tennis players potentially competing in the French Open later this year, the French Sports Ministry explained: 

"As far as Roland Garros is concerned, it's in May. The situation may change between now and then and we hope it'll be more favorable. So we'll see but clearly there's no exemption."

Conversations between UEFA and France officials are ongoing, but Feb. 15 is now less than one month away.