UEFA’S chief medic has conceded he cannot “100 per cent guarantee” all 12 planned hosts will be able to stage Euro 2020 games – opening the door for more matches in England.
PM Boris Johnson told The Sun he had invited Euro bosses to move more games and even the entire tournament to England this summer.
Boris Johnson is hoping to host all of Euro 2020 in the UKCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Covid expert Daniel Koch gave the UK reason for optimismCredit: AFP – Getty
SunSport revealed how Uefa chiefs are demanding all potential host cities confirm that fans will be allowed in grounds.
So far, three of the 12 have been unable to make the promise, with only a month left until Uefa’s April 7 deadline.
And in another boost for the prospects of extra games being moved to English soil in addition to the seven already scheduled for Wembley, Uefa’s Covid expert Daniel Koch admitted some of the planned hosts might not be able to put games on.
Koch said: “We first of all have to discuss the situation with all the cities and all the countries too, because it is the Government that will decide what is possible.
“There will be differences from place to place but that is not a problem.
“If nothing can take place in one country, there are 11 others in which preparations are already under way.”
Concerns within the Irish Government means there are growing fears that Dublin, which would host England’s last 16 clash if Gareth Southgate’s men win their initial group, may have to pull out.
There are also issues elsewhere.
Ten English stadiums are on standby to host the entirety of this summer’s delayed European Championship
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Despite a proposal for 50 per cent capacities at Munich’s Allianz Arena German officials have yet to clear any fans being allowed into venues, with similar concerns in Italy, Spain and potentially Scotland.
Koch added: “Preparing for a Euros in 12 countries is a difficulty but also an opportunity.
“But in a pandemic, there can be no such thing as a 100 per cent guarantee because there is always the prospect of surprises.
We will not make a decision on fans before April
Daniel Koch
“For the moment, I am very confident that the Euros will be held this summer, as the epidemic situation cannot be compared to what we faced in the winter.
“That is why we will not make a decision on fans before April.
“What we feel, though, is that going to see events, not just sporting ones, is a legitimate necessity for people.
“That is why we are looking at ways to allow it at the Euros, although we will not take any irresponsible risks.”
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England boss Gareth Southgate backs bid to stage Euro 2020 matches in UK
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
