Calls to bring Euros to city
Campaigners are calling on the Government and football authorities to bring next year’s European Championships to Sunderland.
The Championships were due to be played at venues in 12 countries across the continent in 2020, with the final at Wembley Stadium on July 12. But the tournament has been put back a year due to coronavirus.
All three of England’s Group D games are to be played at Wembley, as well as a last 16 tie and both semifinals.
In total all seven matches played in England will be at Wembley and campaigners say there should be a wider geographical spread.
One Sunderland councillor says that the Stadium of Light is worthy of consideration, and that a game on Wearside would be a boost to a local economy.
Councillor Stephen O’Brien has written to UEFA, the FA and the Government’s Culture, Media and Sport Secretary Oliver Dowden, urging them to bring Euro fixtures to Sunderland.
Councillor O’Brien is the Liberal Democrat representative for Grindon and Thorney Close, as well as being a Sunderland fan.
He said: “Rescheduling the Euro 2020 fixtures for next summer is a fantastic opportunity to spread opportunity across the country - and boost our local economy here in Sunderland - by safely and responsibly hosting matches at the Stadium of Light, rather than having everything being held in London.
“We have a fantastic stadium in Sunderland. It would be a missed opportunity if UEFA didn’t decide to host matches on Wearside.
“I hope that this campaign will receive support from residents, the club itself and politicians from all parties in the city. The economic benefits would be enormous and it would be great to have the eyes of the country and the world on Sunderland.”
The call has received backing from SAFC supporters’ group Red and White Army.
Chair of the group Andrew Hird said: “Playing more international games at the Stadium of Light can only be a boost for our community and for the football club. We have a great stadium in the middle of a football-mad city, so hosting a game in the Euros would be fantastic.”
The Stadium of Light has staged three England games since 1999.