OFFICIAL: UEFA awards Russia extra Euro 2020 matches after Ireland fails to provide guarantees on fan numbers
Russia will host additional matches at the European Championships this summer after UEFA switched three games from Dublin to St. Petersburg. The Irish city was unable to give assurances on fan numbers due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
St. Petersburg was already due to host four games at Euro 2020 but will now be the venue for seven matches. The additional three games headed to the Russian city will all be in the group stage of the competition.
UEFA announced the decision on Friday after organizers in Ireland were unable to give assurances that the Aviva Stadium in Dublin would be filled to a minimum of 25% capacity.
ℹ️ Important updates on #EURO2020 venue changes, capacities and fan information: ⬇️
— UEFA (@UEFA) April 23, 2021
Organizers in St. Petersburg have already given guarantees that the 68,000-seater Krestovsky Stadium (also known as the Gazprom Arena) will be at least 50% full for matches, with that number possibly being increased closer to the tournament.
St. Petersburg was already due to host three matches in Group B: Belgium vs Russia on June 12, Finland vs Russia on June 16, and Finland vs Belgium on June 21.
The extra matches switched from Dublin are all in Group E: Poland vs Slovakia on June 14, Sweden vs Slovakia on June 18, and Sweden vs Poland on June 23.
As already planned, St. Petersburg will host a quarter-final on July 2.
Euro 2020 was initially due to be held last year in a unique pan-continental format across 12 host cities. It was delayed when the pandemic struck and will instead take place between June 11 and July 11 this summer.
MORE TO FOLLOW
Comments are closed.