MX23RW : Wednesday, March 31 16:10:00| >> :600:140581:140581:

UEFA not planning major changes to Euro 2020 despite recent speculation

Reports emerged earlier this week that Russia could become sole hosts of the finals.

UEFA says it has no plans yet to change the format of Euro 2020 amid reports it is considering moving next summer's tournament to Russia.

European football's governing body decided in March to postpone the tournament by 12 months due to the coronavirus pandemic, but has so far stood by the 12-city format it had originally devised.

Le Parisien reported earlier this week that installing Russia, which hosted the World Cup in 2018, as sole host for the finals was one option being considered by UEFA, with infection rates rising again across the continent.

While UEFA has not ruled out changing the format, it said in a statement released to the PA news agency that it currently had no plans to do so.

"UEFA intends to hold Euro 2020 in the format and the venues confirmed earlier this year and we are working closely with all host cities on preparations," the statement read.

"Given the uncertainties surrounding Covid โ€“ over which neither UEFA nor the local organising bodies have control โ€“ it is currently too early to say whether those games in June and July will have restrictions either on fans or even their staging."

The statement added: "UEFA's efforts are currently focused on planning for a tournament in all 12 venues with fans.

"Decisions that run counter to that plan could be made much nearer the time if necessary but there are presently no plans to change any venue."

The cities due to host matches are Amsterdam, Baku, Bilbao, Bucharest, Budapest, Copenhagen, Dublin, Glasgow, London, Munich, Rome and St Petersburg.

England and Wales have already qualified for the finals, which start on June 11 next year and conclude with the semi-finals and final at Wembley. Northern Ireland and Scotland could yet join them with victory in their play-off matches which will be played later this month.

The final is due to be played on July 11, 2021.

ID:421022: cacheID:421022:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:4197:
Latest coronavirus PSA banner
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Did you know...?
Lyndon Dykes celebrates scoring for Scotland against Slovakia in the Nations League on October 11, 2020
Read Next:
Wednesday's Nations League League B predictions including Scotland vs. Czech Republic
>
Latest Sports Video

rhs 2.0
Todays Game Header Right
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Manchester CityMan City30225364214371
2Manchester UnitedMan Utd29169456322457
3Leicester CityLeicester29175753322156
4Chelsea29149644251951
5West Ham UnitedWest Ham29147845351049
6Tottenham HotspurSpurs29146949301948
7Liverpool29137948361246
8Everton28144104037346
9Arsenal29126114032842
10Aston Villa28125113930941
11Leeds UnitedLeeds29123144547-239
12Crystal Palace29107123147-1637
13Wolverhampton WanderersWolves2998122838-1035
14Southampton2996143651-1533
15Burnley2989122237-1533
16Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton29711113236-432
17Newcastle UnitedNewcastle2977152848-2028
18Fulham30511142338-1526
19West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom2939172057-3718
20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd2942231650-3414

Subscribe to our Newsletter


Transfer Talk Daily
Match previews - twice weekly
Morning Briefing (7am UTC)
Ultra close-up image of Kevin De Bruyne [NOT FOR USE IN ARTICLES]Get the latest transfer news, match previews and news direct to your inbox!