SFA makes pitch for 12,000 fans at Euros amid Dublin doubts
THE Scottish Football Association has submitted plans to UEFA for 12,000 fans to attend four European Championship matches at Hampden Park this summer.
Amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, European football’s governing body had asked for the 12 host cities – including Glasgow, Dublin and London – for their proposals on how many supporters they expect to be able to host by yesterday.
There is no date set for fans to return in Scotland but the SFA, in conjunction with the Scottish Government, put together a proposal that will allow the national stadium to be at 25 per cent capacity for three group games and a knockout match.
A statement from the SFA and Glasgow Life read: “The Scottish FA and Glasgow Life (on behalf of Glasgow City Council) have been working on a range of planning scenarios for hosting the four UEFA Euro 2020 matches in Glasgow in response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, both in terms of allowing spectators in the stadium and the creation of a Fan Zone in the city for the duration of the tournament.
“Following extensive consultation with the Scottish Government and public health advisers, the Local Organising Structure can confirm that it has submitted details of its preferred option for admitting spectators to the stadium to meet today’s UEFA deadline.
“We are delighted that the Scottish Government has given approval to allow spectators up to 25 per cent of the stadium capacity (approximately 12,000 – based on the UEFA Euro 2020 venue overlay and seating configuration) for each of the four games to be staged at Hampden Park.
“Naturally, this will be subject to continued progress with reducing the prevalence of the virus and the rollout of the vaccination programme.
“A decision on the Fan Zone in the city will be made at the end of April.
“UEFA will be in contact with all ticket holders on Friday advising them on the latest tournament arrangements including ticketing and information.”
Scotland will play the Czech Republic on June 14 and Croatia on June 22, both at the national stadium, with a trip to play England at Wembley in between and a last-16 game takes place at Hampden Park on June 29.
Meanwhile, Dublin’s status as one of the Euro 2020 finals hosts has been thrown into doubt after the Football Association of Ireland was unable to provide assurances on minimum spectator levels.
The Aviva Stadium is due to stage three Group E games involving Slovakia, Poland and Sweden, and a last-16 tie.
However, the FAI, on the advice of the Irish Government, has informed governing body travel
UEFA that it cannot provide an answer on fan numbers as it continues to deal with the coronavirus pandemic.
A statement said: “The Football Association of Ireland, on advice and guidance from the Government, has today notified UEFA that owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is not in a position at this point to provide assurances on minimum spectator levels at the UEFA EURO 2020 matches due to be held in Dublin in June.
“In so doing, we have advised UEFA that the matter will be kept under review and that the Dublin LOS team, including Government, will continue to discuss all issues with UEFA on an ongoing basis.”