Fans dilemma for the Euros

UEFA could run a lopsided European Championship this summer featuring a combination of behind-closed-doors matches and some with fans. All 12 of the proposed host cities for the delayed Euro 2020 are in lockdown or enforcing curfews, with new restrictions being implemented almost daily. But European football’s governing body remain committed to running the tournament on a pan-European basis in front of crowds if at all possible. These are understood to include stadiums being at full capacity; 50 per cent to 100 per cent capacity with mitigations in place; 20 to 30 per cent capacity and a behind-closed-doors tournament. A decision is expected to be made at the beginning of March.

has learned that UEFA are

even willing to have host stadiums operating at different capacities in each city despite concerns over the integrity of the competition. This is magnified in cases such as England and Italy who have been granted matches in front of their own fans. Italy are due to kick off the tournament with a home game against Turkey in the Stadio Olimpico in Rome June 11, but all of England matches under Gareth Southgate (below) are scheduled to take place at Wembley, as are both semifinals and the final. The European governing body have considered other options, including switching to a single host country with the United Kingdom touted as potential hosts before the third wave of the virus took hold this winter. However, they will only pursue such a change as a last resort.