UEFA issued a statement regarding the change of venues for the rearranged EURO 2020 tournament in the summer.
UEFA announced that EURO 2020 matches which were supposed to be conducted in Bilbao and Dublin have been moved. As a result of Covid-19 protocols, fans will not be allowed to attend matches in the Spanish and Irish cities.
Therefore, the games from Bilbao are moved to Seville, whereas St Petersburg and London will share the fixtures for the Dublin ones. A virtual meeting was held by UEFA on Friday where committee members agreed to this decision.
Following is the official statement: “The four matches initially scheduled to take place in Bilbao, will be moved to the Estadio La Cartuja in Seville. The hosting of these matches is supported by the Autonomous Community of Andalusia. Which has confirmed its intention of allowing spectators at 30% of the stadium capacity for the three Group E matches and a round of 16 match.”
“Following the decision of the local authorities, it was clear that fans were very unlikely to be able to attend the matches that were scheduled to be played there [Bilbao].”
“Therefore, with the assistance of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), UEFA proposed to move those matches to another venue in that host country. Simply to allow fans to attend the games after a year of not being able to watch live football in stadiums. This decision will create a festive atmosphere at all matches taking place in UEFA’s flagship national team competition.”
“The three Group E matches initially scheduled for Dublin, will be reallocated to the St Petersburg Stadium. Which is already hosting three Group B matches and a quarter-final.”
“The round of 16 match initially scheduled in Dublin, will be moved to Wembley in London.”
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said: “We have been working diligently with the host associations and local authorities to ensure a safe and festive environment at the games. And I am really pleased that we are able to welcome spectators at all matches for a celebration of national team football across the continent.”
“UEFA wishes to express its appreciation and gratitude to the cities of Bilbao and Dublin. Both of which are considered as good venues to host future UEFA events, the national and regional governments of Spain and the Republic of Ireland, and all local stakeholders for their dedication, professionalism and efforts over the past years.”
“UEFA would also like to thank the Football Association of Ireland and its dedicated staff for their excellent collaboration and hard work. And is looking forward to continuing to work with the remaining eleven host associations in delivering Euro 2020 matches.”
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