Four Euros host cities get UEFA extension amid doubts on fans

NYON, Switzerland, April 10, (AP): The Euro 2020 host cities of Munich, Rome, Bilbao and Dublin have been given an extension until April 19 to remain part of the rescheduled tournament by providing guarantees on fans being allowed into games.

UEFA set the new deadline on Friday after receiving confirmation from eight other cities across Europe that crowds will be allowed at stadiums as coronavirus restrictions are eased.

UEFA is most concerned about Ireland, which is in one of Europe’s longest lockdowns, being in a position to say in 10 days if stadiums can open up to supporters.

Bilbao is under threat of being cut from hosting rights because of the conditions from the Basque Country authorities that are hard to comply with, including having 60% of the region vaccinated by then.

UEFA is more hopeful of receiving government guarantees from Italy, which is due to stage the opening game on June 11 between Italy and Turkey in Rome, and Germany, where four games are due to be in Munich.

Only Baku (Azerbaijan), Budapest (Hungary) and St. Petersburg (Russia) have said so far that ticket holders flying in will be exempt from any quarantine or other entry requirements apart from proof of negative COVID-19 tests. Hungary will also allow entry if a fan can show they have been infected within the past six months. Bucharest will allow fans staying for less than three days to avoid isolating on arrival, along with them presenting a negative test.

Only Baku and St. Petersburg have so far said at least 50% of their stadiums can be filled.

Wembley, which has a tournamenthigh seven fixtures, will have at least a quarter of the 90,000-seat stadium filled in the group stage and last 16. The intention is for the capacity to rise to at least 45,000 for the semifinals and July 11 final.