90min

FA & UEFA in Talks for Rescheduled Euro 2020 to Be Held Solely in UK

By James Cormack

The FA are in talks with UEFA over hosting next summer's Euros
The FA are in talks with UEFA over hosting next summer's Euros / Pool/Getty Images
facebooktwitterreddit

Talks have taken place between the English FA and UEFA over the United Kingdom becoming the solo hosts for the delayed Euro 2020 tournament next summer.

UEFA are currently exploring alternatives regarding their plans to host the tournament across 12 cities due to the coronavirus pandemic, although that currently remains Plan A.

Nevertheless, the Daily Mail understands that discussions have been held between the two governing bodies over moving the competition solely to the UK.

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin is keen to carry out Plan A next summer
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin is keen to carry out Plan A next summer / FRANCK FIFE/Getty Images

UEFA chief Aleksander Ceferin remains keen on maintaining the initial tournament format but there are growing fears that such a plan is simply unfeasible in the current climate.

Regarding the possibility of changing the format, a UEFA spokesperson said: "UEFA’s efforts are focused on planning for a tournament in all 12 original 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."

The FA are expecting a decision from UEFA within two months.

There's also an increasing confidence that fans will be allowed to attend games that do take place in the UK, with the FA determined to allow in as many supporters to watch England's group games against Scotland, Croatia and the Czech Republic as they can.

There's growing confidence that fans will be allowed into the UK stadiums for the delayed Euro 2020
There's growing confidence that fans will be allowed into the UK stadiums for the delayed Euro 2020 / Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images

Several possibilities are being explored in a bid to maximise attendances as the FA await news on a coronavirus vaccine. One includes all fans being tested at centres up to a mile from the stadium on matchday, with only those with a clean bill of health being allowed to proceed to the game.

As it stands though; Amsterdam, Baku, Bilbao, Bucharest, Budapest, Copenhagen, Dublin, Glasgow, London, Munich, Rome and St Petersburg are the current host cities for next summer's tournament.

Wembley Stadium will then play host to both semi-finals and the final in mid-July.