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    No10 on cusp of deal for Wembley to host up to 75,000 fans at Euro 2020 final including VIPs who WON’T quarantine

    THE FINAL of Euro 2020 is set to remain at Wembley – and up to 75,000 fans will be allowed to attend.The government are on the cusp of agreeing a deal with Uefa to allow 2,500 foreign media and a ‘small number’ of VIPs to attend the showpiece event without having to quarantine.
    PM Boris Johnson is negotiating a deal with Uefa to keep the final of Euro 2020 at WembleyCredit: Getty
    Up to 75,000 fans are expected to attend the match in LondonCredit: Getty
    Boris Johnson is understood to be under pressure to allow more spectators to attend, with Uefa threatening to move the final elsewhere.
    The Puskas Arena in Budapest is at full capacity for the tournament – around 67,000 – and would be willing to the stage the final if necessary.
    Wembley is currently welcoming just 22,500 fans for the group stage of Euro 2020 due to Covid-19 restrictions.
    But capacity for the final is now expected to be between 60,000 and 75,000.
    The PM is also set to allow VIPs into the country WITHOUT having to quarantine – but they must leave within 24 hours of arrival.
    Uefa’s special guests are also expected to be in a ‘bubble’ during their time in London and won’t mix with UK-based supporters.
    Confirmation of the stadium’s capacity for the final is expected to be announced as early as Tuesday, June 22 – the same day as England face Czech Republic.

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    Johnson’s official spokesman said: “We continue to look forward to hosting the semi finals and final here in the UK at Wembley.
    “We will continue to work closely with Uefa.”
    But the PM’s sister Rachel Johnson slammed the rule bending as ‘the final nail in the coffin of the Covid restrictions’.
    She said: “Above all, I think if this event does go ahead on British soil, the 2,500 VIPs and hangers-on… will literally put the final nail in the coffin of the Covid restrictions.
    “The government will have to open up probably before the terminus date of July 19 because I think the Covid restrictions will be collapsing under the weight of their own contradictions and the country will not put up with it.”

    Speaking in the Lords, Culture minister Lady Barran said: “We are not exempting any VIPs or accredited guests from our restrictions.
    “If it’s agreed they should enter the UK, they would only be able to leave isolation for official events and would be subject to a very strict code of conduct.”
    She added: “We already permit certain officials and accredited guests to enter the UK for these matches under the elite sport exemption.
    “We will continue to keep the scope of these exemptions under review and are working closely with the FA and Uefa to ensure these Euro 2020 matches take place successfully.”
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    Hungary facing Uefa probe over allegations of vile racist and homophobic chanting by fans during Euro 2020

    UEFA is probing alleged racism and homophobia by Hungarian fans during Euro 2020 games in Budapest.French black players were subjected to monkey chants during Saturday’s 1-1 draw.
    Hungary fans marched against taking the knee against racism – Uefa has opened an investigation into alleged racist and homophobic chantingCredit: EPA
    Right-wing and self-proclaimed Nazi groups are among Hungary’s most fervent supportersCredit: Reuters
    That followed claims of homophobic chants through last week’s defeat by Portugal.
    Budapest’s Puskas Arena is the only stadium at the tournament operating at full capacity, with crowds of 60,000.
    But right-wing and self-proclaimed Nazi groups are among Hungary’s most fervent supporters.
    One large group held a march protesting against anti-rascism gestures last week.
    And before the France game, thousands of Hungary fans set off flares and unveiled an anti-kneeling banner in the streets of Budapest.
    A number of reports in French media highlighted the racism directed at Paul Pogba, N’golo Kante, Kylian Mbappe and other black players.
    That forced Uefa into action.
    A Uefa statement announced: “In accordance with Article 31(4) of the Uefa Disciplinary Regulations, an Uefa Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been appointed to conduct a disciplinary investigation regarding potential discriminatory incidents which occurred in the Puskas Arena, Budapest, during the 2020 European Championship group stage matches between the national teams of Hungary and Portugal on 15 June 2021 and between the national teams of Hungary and France played on 19 June 2021.

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    Demonstrations took place in and around Budapest on SaturdayCredit: EPA
    There were claims of homophobic chants through last week’s defeat by PortugalCredit: Reuters
    Hungary’s players were heroes for their 1-1 draw against France – but some of their fans were far from thatCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    “Information on this matter will be made available in due course.”
    The issue is a significant cloud over the tournament and makes it even more unlikely that Uefa will take the semi-finals and Final away from Wembley and move the games to Budapest.
    Uefa and the UK Government are in discussions over demands for 2,500 sponsors, VIPs and media to avoid mandatory 10-day quarantine periods.
    It is expected that a compromise will be found with Uefa reluctant to switch the final three games at such a late stage.
    But Uefa wishes for foreign fans to be accommodated by observing 24-hour travel “bubbles” seem less likely to be met at this stage.
    Although Euro chiefs would prefer overseas fans to be allowed into the UK, it is not believed an inability to reach agreement will be a deal-breaker.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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    Germany captain Manuel Neuer won’t be disciplined for wearing rainbow armband in support of Pride Month in Uefa U-turn

    GERMANY captain Manuel Neuer will face no disciplinary action for wearing a rainbow coloured armband against Portugal and France.The German skipper, 35, donned the rainbow armband in support of Pride Month.
    Germany captain Manuel Neuer has been wearing a rainbow armband in support of Pride MonthCredit: AP
    But rather than throw their weight behind the cause, Uefa opened an investigation whether it could be viewed as a political statement.
    However, Uefa have now concluded there is no case to answer, given Neuer, 35, was “promoting a good cause”.
    A spokesperson said: “Uefa looked into the armband worn by the player in question and, considering that it was promoting a good cause, i.e. diversity, the team will not face disciplinary proceedings.”
    The German Football Association said it had received a letter from UEFA confirming the matter should be considered closed.
    The DFB posted on Twitter on Sunday evening: “UEFA have today shared with the DFB that they have stopped the review of the rainbow captain’s armband worn by @Manuel_Neuer.
    “In a letter, the armband has been assessed as a team symbol for diversity and thus for a ‘good cause’.”
    It had been feared that Germany could even have been FINED for their support of Pride Month with Uefa statutes prohibiting ‘political’ signs being made during matches.
    Board member of LSVD, the German Lesbian and Gay Federation, Christian Rudolph said: “That is unacceptable.
    “It is a fatal sign. We are currently in Pride Month and at the most important sporting event of the month should the wearing of a rainbow captain’s armband be prevented?
    “Uefa also needs to think about who it represents.
    “How should the athletes think about it now? We are committed to open football.
    “And this month we also want to send a signal to all the athletes from the LGBTI community.
    Neuer also wore the armband against FranceCredit: EPA
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    “It was important to us that Neuer can wear the rainbow captain’s armband for the entire month. These are now the values ​​that the DFB represents.”
    On Monday, Mayor of Munich Dieter Reiter is expected to file a cross-party motion from the city’s council to Uefa, asking them for permission to light up Allianz Arena in rainbow colours for their clash with Hungary on Wednesday.
    There are also plans for Munich City Hall to be decorated by rainbow flags.
    Last week, Hungarian parliament reportedly approved a law that ‘restricts young people’s right to information about homosexuality and transsexuality’.
    And their fans are being investigated by Uefa for alleged racist and homophobic chanting in the games against Portugal and France.

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    Uefa and Government ‘hopeful’ of Euro 2020 final staying at Wembley as No10 look ahead to British Isles 2030 World Cup

    UEFA and the Government remain ‘hopeful’ of a deal to ensure the closing stages of Euro 2020 remain at Wembley.Euro chiefs have warned they could move the semi-finals and final to Budapest unless they receive guarantees from Britain.
    Boris Johnson is hopeful a deal can be struck to keep the Euro 2020 climax at WembleyCredit: Reuters
    Uefa have threatened to move the semi-finals and final from London to BudapestCredit: Getty
    Uefa pointed out that part of the agreement with the UK and FA over hosting was that there would be an agreement to allow up to 2,500 VIPs, sponsors and foreign media into the country for the games.
    But current Covid rules would require all overseas visitors to observe strict 10-day hotel quarantines, making the idea of travel for the matches at short notice impossible.
    Uefa is also seeking the green light from the UK authorities for fans of the competing teams to be allowed into the country to watch the matches, which will be played in front of a capped attendance of 40,000.
    That requires a relaxation of UK border regulations, which is a significant stumbling block.
    The sponsor, VIP and media demands scuppered plans to play last month’s Champions League Final between Chelsea and Manchester City at Wembley when it was moved from Istanbul, with the match eventually being played in Oporto. 
    But with PM Boris Johnson also aware that failing to stage the games as scheduled could have a damaging impact on the effort to gain Uefa’s support for the planned British Isles 2030 World Cup bid, it is expected that a deal can be struck.
    Johnson confirmed on Friday that he was ready to make ‘some sensible accommodations’ to meet Uefa’s expectations, rather than risk losing the matches.
    But Uefa also recognises that it cannot be hardline in its demands.

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    Talks have taken place over the past 48 hours and will continue into next week, with a final decision expected before Wednesday.
    Now the mood at Uefa headquarters in Nyon is positive with a growing belief that a meeting of minds will be found.
    That is likely to see a slight softening of Uefa’s demands, although Euro bosses are pushing strongly for 24-hour fan ‘bubbles’ – involving hotel and transportation – to ensure supporters can attend the game and return home immediately.
    One insider said: “We are both confident we will get where we need to be on this.
    “Nobody really wants to move the game to Hungary, although that is not off the table if we cannot find a suitable agreement.”
    ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog

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    Snipers were prepared to SHOOT Greenpeace protester who parachuted onto pitch before France’s Euro 2020 win over Germany

    SNIPERS were prepared to SHOOT the Greenpeace protester who parachuted onto the pitch before the Euro 2020 game between France and Germany.The police only decided against firing when they noticed the parachute had the environmental organisation’s logo on, according to a German minister.
    Police were worried the protester who parachuted onto the pitch at Euro 2020 was a terroristCredit: EPA
    Snipers were prepared to shoot the protester before noticing the Greenpeace logoCredit: EPA
    Bavaria’s interior minister for the state Joachim Herrmann claims coppers in Munich were prepared to shoot the protester as they feared it was a terrorist attack.
    The politician said: “Due to the Greenpeace banner the marksmen did not intervene.
    “But if the police had come to a different conclusion that they might have been dealing with a terrorist attack, the aviator may well have paid with his life.”
    Police in Munich have confirmed two men were injured by the pilot during his entrance into the stadium and were taken to hospital.
    The protester lost control of his parachute, clashing with the spidercam and causing debris to fall onto the playing surface.
    The police added: “There is no understanding whatsoever for such irresponsible actions in which a considerable risk to human life is accepted.”

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    Uefa have also condemned Greenpeace’s actions, releasing a statement after the match.
    It reads: “This inconsiderate act – which could have had very serious consequences for a huge number of people attending – caused injuries to several people attending the game who are now in hospital and law authorities will take the necessary action.
    “Uefa and its partners are fully committed to a sustainable Euro 2020 tournament and many initiatives have been implemented to offset carbon emissions.
    “The staging of the match was fortunately not impacted by such a reckless and dangerous action, but several people were injured nonetheless.”

    Greenpeace have apologised for the failed stunt, tweeting: “This protest was never meant to interrupt the game or injure people.
    “We hope that everyone is OK and that nobody has been seriously injured.
    “Greenpeace actions are always peaceful and non-violent. Unfortunately, with this stunt everything did not go to plan.”
    The organisation later tried to explain their plan in a second Twitter post, writing: “The pilot had wanted to let a balloon hover in the stadium, but had to then do an emergency landing, due to the fact that the hand gas control of the parachute failed.”
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    Angry Denmark boss rages at Uefa ‘Covid allows postponement but cardiac arrest doesn’t’ after Christian Eriksen collapse

    FUMING Denmark boss Kasper Hjulmand raged that Uefa rules allow a postponement for coronavirus but not following a cardiac arrest.Christian Eriksen collapsed just before half-time, requiring CPR and a defibrillator shock to resuscitate him on the pitch in Copenhagen.
    Kasper Hjulmand slammed Uefa for allowing postponements for coronavirus but not Christian Eriksen’s cardiac arrestCredit: AP
    The Danish head coach was managing on the pitch just 90 minutes after Eriksen was taken awayCredit: Getty
    But Hjulmand’s side were forced to play the remaining 50 minutes of Saturday’s Euro 2020 clash against Finland, taking to the field around 90 minutes after seeing their team-mate rushed to hospital.
    And he hit out at Uefa once again for their handling of the situation.
    Speaking to the press today ahead of Thursday’s game with Belgium, Hjulmand said: “Coronavirus allows you to postpone a match for 48 hours.
    “A cardiac arrest obviously does not. That, I think, is wrong. 
    “There is learning here. It was not the right decision to continue playing. 
    “The boys showed so much strength by going out and playing on. 
    “But I do not think it was the right thing to give us and the players the choice to go out and finish play on Saturday or Sunday.”
    Uefa gave Denmark the choice to either conclude the Finland clash on Saturday night or come back on Sunday lunchtime.
    The world held its breath after Christian Eriksen collapsed on the pitch

    Peter Schmeichel, former Danish goalkeeper and father of Kasper who was in goal on Saturday, revealed Uefa threatened his country with a 3-0 forfeit if they did not take one of those options.
    Uefa categorically deny the claim but Schmeichel said: “They said the players insisted on playing. I know that not to be the truth. Or that’s how you see the truth.
    “They were left with three options. One was to play immediately and get the last 50 minutes played.
    “The next one was to come in yesterday at 12 noon and finish the 50 minutes.
    “And the third option was to forfeit the game and lose 3-0.
    “So, you know, work it out for yourself. Is it the players’ wish to play? Did they have any choice really? I don’t think they had.
    Christian Eriksen’s life was saved by the fast reactions of team-mates and medics
    “And as you can hear from yesterday’s press conference, the coach seriously regrets putting the players back on the pitch.”
    Eriksen is stable and recovering in hospital following the shocking weekend events.
    He gave a thumbs up from his bed on Tuesday morning and shared a message on his Instagram.
    The Inter Milan star wrote: “Hello everyone. Big thanks for your sweet and amazing greetings and messages from all around the world. It means a lot to me and my family.
    “I’m fine – under the circumstances. I still have to go through some examinations at the hospital, but I feel okay.
    “Now, I will cheer on the boys on the Denmark team in the next matches. Play for all of Denmark. Best, Christian.”
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    Man Utd legend Gary Neville leads fan fury over Big Six’s ’embarrassing’ sanctions for European Super League plot

    GARY NEVILLE has slammed the Premier League’s punishment of the Big Six clubs who attempted to join the European Super League.Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham and the two Manchester giants have each been given fines of just over £3.6million, which they have accepted.
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    Gary Neville was fuming at the punishment given to the Big Six

    They have also agreed to punishments of a 30-point deduction and £25m fine if they attempt another plot similar to the breakaway plan in April.
    Neville is furious at the sanctions, labelling the Premier League “an absolute embrassment”.
    The Sky Sports pundit spoke passionately about the subject and was a leading voice in the opposition against the plan when it launched in April, and likely feels the Big Six have been let off the hook somewhat.
    He is not the only one, with several supporters suggesting the clubs deserved harsher punishment.
    Some feel the fine should be a lot heavier given the amount of clubs involved, not to mention the finances of said clubs.
    Others want a points deduction to be dished out now, or even for the teams involved to be relegated since they were so keen on leaving the Premier League.
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    £20m between 6 teams is pathetic. It should’ve been £20m each and distributed to teams from League 1 downwards.— inthezone (@inthezoneuk) June 9, 2021

    The £3.5m fine will really teach those Super League clubs a lesson. 🙄🙄 Personally I would of fined them more AND deducted 15pts at the start of the season. That way the clubs could potentially miss out on European football + top 4 finish + PL prize money.— Steve Hilliard (@Hackett01) June 9, 2021

    They should be relegated if they want to play in a different league.— Mike (@mike4000W) June 9, 2021

    It really is disgracerful, Gary. City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Spurs, Arsenal they make me sick to my stomach for what they tried, 20 point deduction this coming season should have been the minimum punishment for them!— Alex (@AA_utd) June 9, 2021

    The Premier League’s sanction follows a similar framework to Uefa’s handling of the breakaway clubs.
    Nine out of the 12 – excluding those that still have not renounced the Super League – have agreed to a combined fine of £13.4m, and each club will lose out on 5% of revenue from Uefa competitions for one season.
    However, a much bigger fine of £87m awaits the clubs if they attempt another coup, while Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus could even be banned from Uefa competition since they never pulled out of the plan.
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    Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus WILL play Champions League next season as Uefa halt ESL disciplinary proceedings

    UEFA have suspended their disciplinary investigation into Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus following a Swiss court warning.The trio looked set to be handed a severe punishment for their role in the European Super League breakaway plot.
    English fans helped quash the European Super League but three clubs remain intentCredit: EPA
    Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus are fighting any punishmentCredit: Getty
    That could have seen them banned from next season’s Champions League – but any sanctions have been put on hold.
    Uefa confirmed in a statement on Wednesday that they will attempt to restart the proceedings in due course.
    It read: “Following the opening of disciplinary proceedings against Barcelona, Juventus and Real Madrid for a potential violation of Uefa’s legal framework in connection with the so-called ‘Super League’ project, the Uefa Appeals Body has decided to stay the proceedings until further notice.
    “Uefa understands why the disciplinary proceedings needed to be suspended for the time being, but remains confident in and will continue to defend its position in all the relevant jurisdictions.
    “Uefa will take all necessary steps in strict accordance with national and EU law in order for the Uefa Appeals Body to be in a position to resume the disciplinary proceedings as soon as possible.”
    Earlier this week, reports in Spain detailed a warning from the Swiss Justice Ministry against Nyon-based Uefa taking action on the trio.

    Those involved claim a court ruling in Madrid legitimised the ESL bid and the judge responsible is said to be looking for the European Court of Justice to back the judgement.
    There is a fear that anti-monopoly laws would mean any punishment is revoked on appeal.
    Nevertheless, Uefa have already obtained an apology and reduced the prize money of the other nine clubs involved in April’s debacle.
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    The six Premier League clubs, plus Inter Milan, AC Milan and Atletico Madrid have all formally apologised and accepted a five per cent cut in prize money for next season – worth as much as £6million.
    Manchester United, Chelsea, Tottenham, Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City settled the issue with the Prem on Wednesday.
    Each club will pay a £3.6m fine for their role in the plot – with a further £25m and 30 points lost if they do it again.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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