Euro 2020 could be set for a complete overhaul in format, with UEFA reportedly negotiating a change in plan regarding the host venues. As things stand, the competition is set to be held across 12 cities in the continent but the organizers are looking into the possibility of switching that into a one-host tournament.
That place is none other than UK, with the FA said to already be in talks with UEFA. The priority is to go ahead with the 12-venue plan but due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, this may not be a possibility. European football’s organizing body has denied these claims according to sources at the Daily Mail, talks are undergoing with the FA.
Concerns regarding the hosting rights have been a point of contention for quite some time now. Staging the tournament over 12 pre-determined cities could be difficult given the current pandemic and given the fact that different countries have different risk levels and regulations.
UEFA’s premier continental competition has already taken a hit, with the 2020 edition being postponed until 2021 due to the coronavirus crisis – it should have taken place last June. As a result, preparations for a Plan B should Plan A turn out to be impossible is understandable.
According to the Daily Mail, Scotland, having secured a ticket via the playoffs, will play all but one of their group-stage matches at the Hampden Park in Glasgow. This would remain unchanged if the UK is chosen as the single host.
One thing working in the UK’s favor is the FA’s confidence that fans will be allowed into the games that are staged there, be it the entire tournament or the seven designated fixtures awarded to them under the current plan. The 90,000-seat venue will not be at full capacity but a substantial number of fans can be expected.
