European football governing body, UEFA, has stressed that the postponed Euro 2020 will take place in 12 different countries as planned contrary to speculation that the football body is considering giving England the sole hosting right for the tournament.
Euro 2020 was postponed until 2021 due to the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. It is scheduled to take place between June 11 and July 11, 2021, in 12 cities of 12 different countries unlike how it used to be where one country or two are given the right to host the competition.
A new spike in coronavirus cases has reignited the fear that the competition will be postponed again. In October, UEFA president, Aleksander Ceferin, had to come out to insist that the competition will take place on the planned date.
On the other hand, he didn’t rule out the possibility that the number of host countries might be streamlined to one if the need arises but didn’t mention the country the football governing body was considering.
“We are always concerned about the situation (but) we are sure that the Euro will be played,” the UEFA president told Movistar+.
“The plan is that we do the Euro exactly as it is. But I have to say that, instead of 12 countries, we could do a Euro instead of 11, in eight, in five or one countries.”
Aleksander Ceferin’s submission sparked the speculation that UEFA has started discussing with the English FA on the possibility of streamlining the host country to just England since Wembley Stadium has already been picked to host six matches, including two semi-finals and the final in the existing plan of the competition.
Contrary to Ceferin’s submission, a UEFA spokesman told Sky Sports this weekend that the European football governing body is not planning to change anything in the existing plan. He noted that it is still early to raise the issue of having spectators in the stands during the competition.
The spokesman said, “UEFA intends to hold Euro 2020 in the format and the venues confirmed earlier this year and we are working closely with all host cities on preparations.
“Given the uncertainties surrounding Covid – over which neither UEFA nor the local organising bodies have control – it is currently too early to say whether those games in June and July will have restrictions either on fans or even their staging.
“UEFA’s efforts are currently focused on planning for a tournament in all 12 venues with fans.
“Decisions that run counter to that plan could be made much nearer the time if necessary but there are presently no plans to change any venue.”
As at the time of publishing this report, the English FA had not issued a statement to debunk the claims that the FA and UEFA have been having discussions over the hosting right of the postponed Euro 2020.
Below are the countries and the cities that have been selected to host the postponed Euro 2020:
Amsterdam (Netherlands) – Johan Cruyff Arena
Baku (Azerbaijan) – Olympic Stadium
Bilbao (Spain) – San Mames
Bucharest (Romania) – Arena Nationala
Budapest (Hungary) – Puskas Arena
Copenhagen (Denmark) – Parken Stadium
Dublin (Republic of Ireland) – Aviva Stadium
Glasgow (Scotland) – Hampden Park
London (England) – Wembley Stadium
Munich (Germany) – Allianz Arena
Rome (Italy) – Stadio Olimpico
Saint Petersburg (Russia) – Krestovsky Stadium
