We will talk to UEFA about Euros, says Johnson

PRIME Minister Boris Johnson says the UK Government will see if there are any “sensible accommodations” it can make regarding overseas fans and VIPs at Euro 2020.

Sources at tournament organisers UEFA have refused to rule out switching the semi-finals and final from Wembley to Budapest if foreign supporters and dignitaries cannot be exempted from the UK’s strict coronavirus quarantine rules.

A statement from UEFA asked the Government to consider “a strict testing and bubble concept” where ticket holders would stay in the UK for less than 24 hours, with their movements restricted to approved transport and venues only. It is understood to also be looking for exemptions for around 2,500 VIPs and sponsors.

A similar request was refused when UEFA was considering using Wembley as a last-minute host for the Champions League final last month, but Johnson indicated a willingness to engage with UEFA on the Euros.

“We’ll do what we have to do to keep the country safe from Covid – that’s going to be our priority, and we’ll be talking to UEFA about what they want and see if we can make some sensible accommodations,” he said yesterday. “But the priority obviously has to be public health.”

UEFA said in its statement on Friday morning it was “confident” Wembley would host the final week’s matches, but also pointed out “there is always a contingency plan”.

It is understood the first option would be Budapest, where matches at the Puskas Arena are being played in front of capacity crowds. Wembley would be limited to 40,000 fans for the semi-finals and final.