FOOTBALL bosses are preparing to rip up the format for the Euros – and SCRAP some venues.
Uefa privately accept there is no way that next summer’s tournament – postponed because of Covid – will be able to go ahead with the planned 12 host cities.
Euro 2020 is set for a format change with some host cities to be axed due to Covid
A worst-case scenario could see one country stage the tournament with four venues being used.
Wembley is due to stage seven games, including England’s three group matches, plus the semi-finals and final.
The competition is sure to go ahead – owing to the millions Uefa will receive from TV companies.
And the governing body is hopeful supporters will still be able to attend.
But some venues are at risk and the tournament will have to be condensed to ensure less travelling.
Places such as Baku in Azerbaijan – now caught in a conflict with Armenia – plus St Petersburg in Russia will be among the first to be dropped.
Baku, Azerbaijan, is under threat as the country is in conflict with ArmeniaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
San Mames in Bilbao, Spain, is among those that could be axed as it struggled to sell ticketsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Bilbao in Spain struggled to sell tickets so would also be in the firing line.
Uefa know they can complete a tournament in one country, with teams staying in bubbles.
Further meetings are due over the next few months.
Manager Paul Fairclough talks about the England C team and its importance to the game
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
