John Terry will be able to lift the Champions League trophy and collect his medal should Chelsea beat Bayern Munich, UEFA have confirmed.
The England defender is suspended for the final at the Allianz Arena on May 19 following his red card against Barcelona in Tuesday's semi-final second leg at the Nou Camp.
However, despite having to watch the match from the stands, Europe's governing body this afternoon confirmed Terry would be able to join in with any post-match celebrations.
A statement read: "If Chelsea win the 2012 UEFA Champions League Final, John Terry will be allowed to lift the trophy and collect the medal."
Terry was shown a straight red card during the first half of the semi-final against Barcelona when he kneed Alexis Sanchez in the back.
Despite the setback, 10-man Chelsea went on to record a famous result as they held the hosts to a 2-2 draw as Fernando Torres struck a late goal to progress 3-2 on aggregate.
Afterwards, Terry, 31, apologised to fans.
"It does look bad on the replay," he said.
"I raised my knee but hopefully the people out there who know me, know I'm not that kind of player.
"At the time I was bewildered, but looking at the replay it looks a red card. On a personal note, of course (it hurts I miss the final), but we deserve to be in the Champions League final.
"I really hope that doesn't take away from this win."
UEFA's control and disciplinary body will decide the length of Terry's suspension on May 31.
European football's governing body have the power to extend the punishment, which would apply to next season's European Super Cup and possibly early Champions League or Europa League matches.
Terry will be joined on the sidelines in Munich next month by Ramires, Raul Meireles and Branislav Ivanovic, who will all serve one-match bans after picking up their third bookings in the competition.
However, the international players' union FIFPro have issued a plea for clemency by UEFA to allow the players, three from each club, who were all shown yellow cards in the semi-finals, to play.
The players' union points out that UEFA will adopt FIFA's policy for Euro 2012 where existing yellow cards are waived after the quarter-finals.
If the current ruling stands, Bayern are set to be without Luiz Gustavo, David Alaba and Holger Badstuber.
what do you think?
David Cooper
Joke
keith harrison
This comment has been removed for violations of our Terms and Conditions.
info
I wish Chelsea well in the final, but why change the rules for John Terry, it was a cynical foul and this ruling says it's OK do do this. I don't believe Terry is the shrinking violet he wants to portray himself as.
Debbie Brown
u.e.f.a are a joke! how can rules be upheld now they have made the decision to allow john terry to lift the cup when in previous years other less fortunate players haven't been allowed to participate in the celebrations.it cannot be allowed to have a rule for one and not for another! there is talk of recinding the yellow cards which were issued to the other banned players so they would be allowed to play also-what a farcical situation -rules are rules and players should have no rights but to play by them. previously banned players must be furious at what's happening. hope bayern win so J.T CAN'T lift it. debs brown.
Tastybake Gateshead
They all knew the rules, so if they had behaved in the first place, no cards would have been issued. Keep the rules in place, make them miss it. As for Terry picking up the cup if chelsea win, its a joke. He's banned, let him join in afterwards but the captain on the field on the night should pick up the cup.
Mary Steel
Disgusting, he should NOT be allowed this, it is a priviledge not a given right, he gets away with one thing after another, not a very good message to younger players. He should have the decency and dignity to not follow through with this.
Colin Ringwood
joke, spineless UEFA
roy theboy
Thats alright then, lets forget Terrys cowardly actions and reward him for doing wrong yet again, this bloke was caught bang to rights and got the red card he deserved, no question. He should not be allowed to lift the trophy or be a part of the final, he has forfitted that right, and that is that. As for the yellow card offences, they should be waved because they were not deamed to be violent misconduct or malicious, and frankly it is harsh on those players from both teams to have to miss a final like this.
Russell North
England defender yer right toooo old and sould sit in the stands like all who have been red carded, but i do not the the fat cats on high wages,BRING BACK THE ENGLISH FOUR TIER SYSTEM ! YELLOW & BLACK ARMY
IRONSTINE
he has a poor track record as a role model, and still gets away with it.
fish41
It does look bad on the replay," he said. "I raised my knee but hopefully the people out there who know me, know I'm not that kind of player. your past form speaks for itself.
Steve Hughes
he`s a disgrace!
Steve Hughes
come on bayern in the final! beat chelsea and do the toon a favour!!
Vivienne James
i have every faith in chelsea bringing home the cup they will do it wait and see
Alan G Flynn
it's a disgrace.He should be kicked out of football altogether
Andrew Auty
Should not be allowed anywhere near pitch / cup at european final = disgrace to team / country / football. Supported him over initial england capatin sacking by Capello but has proved himself to be nothing more than a neanderthal thug. Still hope for and will be supporing Chelsa to win the final, despite being a Leeds fan and remember 1970!!
Jenny Molloy
This comment has been removed for violations of our Terms and Conditions.
Dave Graham
Absolutely disgraceful !!!!!! How must Roy Keane and Paul Scholes feel when they wer'nt even allowed on the field of play after the game never mind being allowed to lift the trophy !!!!!!
Colin Collings
4:05pm on 26/4/2012
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