Rome cleared to host Euro 2020 matches

ROME has been confirmed as the ninth definite Euro 2020 host.

The Italian capital, which will stage the opening match of the delayed continental finals on June 11, did not provide a minimum capacity guarantee to UEFA by the initial April 7 deadline.

However, UEFA have now said the Stadio Olimpico would be at a minimum 25 per cent capacity for the four matches it will host - three group games and a quarter-final.

UEFA is determined to safely welcome as many supporters into venues as possible for its showpiece event, despite coronavirus infection rates remaining high across Europe.

Bilbao, Dublin and Munich are the three cities UEFA is still seeking additional information from.

Bilbao and Dublin appear most likely to lose games if they are unable to guarantee access to any spectators by April 19.

UEFA’s executive committee meets that day, followed by UEFA Congress on April 20, where final hosting arrangements are set to be made.

The Football Association of Ireland released a statement last week saying it was not in a position to provide minimum assurances.

The English FA has said it stands ready to host extra matches if called upon which means Old Trafford or the Etihad Stadium could be venues.

Group matches at Wembley, along with the last-16 match there, are set to be at 25 per cent capacity - 22,500 while the hope is to be able to at least double that limit for the semi-finals and final at the same venue.