UEFA HAS TODAY banned vuvuzelas from all grounds hosting matches in this year’s Champions League and Euro 2012.

The governing body for soccer in Europe called the instruments “not appropriate in Europe”, telling all fifty-three member associations to enforce the ban at all their matches.

“In the specific context of South Africa, the vuvuzela adds a touch of local flavour and folklore,” UEFA said, before adding that they would change the traditional atmosphere at European matches.

“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,” UEFA said. “UEFA is of the view that the vuvuzelas would completely change the atmosphere, drowning supporter emotions and detracting from the experience of the game.”

Fifa refused to ban the instruments during the World Cup in South Africa, despite protests from broadcasters and fans worldwide.