UEFA sweat over Euro venues as infections rise

UEFA preparations for the postponed Euro 2020 this summer are likely to be delayed again this week when venues are required to confirm if they can host matches with crowds.

A third wave of coronavirus in Europe — Italy has now gone into a three-day Easter lockdown, while France is into a three-week shutdown — means UEFA will be sweating on venues which may be unable to give guarantees.

But the governing body’s medical advisor is still confident that the tournament will have fans across the continent, with the UK Government hoping that Wembley could be close to a full house for the semi-finals and final, with almost all restrictions due to be lifted in England from June 21.

The 12 venues have until Wednesday to confirm if they will still be part of the tournament and that they can guarantee 25-per-cent capacity for the scheduled games.

Amsterdam, Baku, Bilbao, Bucharest, Budapest, Copenhagen, Dublin, Glasgow, London, Munich, Rome and St Petersburg are all hosts for the tournament.

On Friday, national clinical director Professor Jason Leitch offered the strongest indication yet that some supporters will be allowed into Hampden for the finals.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has yet to offer firm guarantees that supporters will be able to attend Scotland’s opening game against the Czech Republic on June 14.

‘I really, really hope so and I think with a fair wind and good restrictions now if people follow them we will have crowds in Hampden and other UK stadia in June,’ said Professor Leitch.

‘I’m not sure that will look normal. I think it may well be limited and distanced.

‘I actually think UEFA will be more worried now about France, Belgium, Germany and some other countries in the world where their virus is accelerating rather decelerating.

‘And that should be a warning to all of us that, to keep a lid on it, we have to watch how we behave in order to get those crowds.’

With coronavirus infections growing significantly in Germany, Holland, Hungary and Romania in recent weeks, it is difficult to see how venues in those countries can commit now to staging games with fans in the stadia in June, although the Hungarians are planning to open up their country and the Dutch are holding test events for fans. Munich looks to be most vulnerable, given the rising cases in Germany and the cautious approach of health officials there.

But Dr Daniel Koch, UEFA’s medical advisor, told German TV station ARD: ‘I am convinced that it will be possible throughout Europe in June and July to hold matches, with spectators there as well.

‘I hope that Munich can find a way so the whole thing can take place with fans.

‘It will most likely take place in all of the countries with spectators, although probably limited numbers in the grounds.

‘It’s not about organising something completely wild but about being able to assess the risk.

‘In the end, however, the countries that allow it will bear the final responsibility.’

The clamour for England to host more games is unlikely to make waves at UEFA’s headquarters where President Aleksander Ceferin has to balance all the political needs of the countries involved.