As many as 65,000 fans could be allowed into Wembley for the semi-finals and final of Euro 2020 after talks were held between UEFA and the UK government.
Wembley Stadium Could Be Three-Quarters Full for Semi-Finals and Final of Euro 2020 After Deal Struck Between UEFA and UK Government
A Deal Has Been Reached That Could See as Many as 65,000 Fans at Wembley
According to The Times, the final three matches of Euro 2020 will allow 65,000 spectators per match, increased from the previous number of 45,000, with fans able to gain entry upon proof of a double coronavirus vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test.
However, this ban could mean that overseas fans will not be allowed to travel to Wembley for these matches, following a request by UEFA. The governing body of European football are also keen to allow 2,500 VIPs to attend, but this is currently a subject of contention with the government as UEFA wanted invitees to be exempt from any quarantine restrictions.
The government are set to confirm an increase in capacity for Euro 2020’s final three matches, which will dispel any chances of the latter stages of the tournament being played in Budapest, before the end of this week.
Whilst there was a possibility in the lead-up to Euro 2020 that the tournament could have been played exclusively in England, UEFA opted to maintain the original format of 12 host cities.
Had the government not extended coronavirus restrictions in England until July 19, then the semi-finals and final would have been able to be played in front of capacity crowds of 90,000. The decision to push back restrictions by another four weeks, following concern about the spread of the Delta variant, means that Wembley is unable to be full for the latter stages of the European Championships.
Despite this, the government are using other events as pilots, such as Download music festival and Wimbledon, to gather data on whether the return of sold-out stadiums for the 2021/22 Premier League season, which begins on August 14, will be possible.
The semi-finals of Euro 2020 are due to take place on July 6 and 7, culminating in the final of the tournament on July 11.
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