"We can host a tournament in one country": what is known about a possible change in the format of Euro 2020

The situation with the spread of coronavirus in the world remains difficult, which makes it difficult to make long-term plans in many areas of life, including sports.

So, there are still concerns about the Olympic Games in Tokyo, postponed from 2020 to 2021.

An ambiguous situation has developed around the European Football Championship, which for the first time in history was to be hosted by 12 cities in 11 states.

On the eve of the President of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Alexander Čeferin expressed confidence that the tournament will take place.

At the same time, the organization does not exclude that the number of host countries can be significantly reduced.

“We are concerned about this situation, but we are absolutely sure that Euro 2020 will take place.

So far, the plan is that the tournament will be held in the same format.

But I must say that instead of 12 countries, we can hold the European Championship in 11, eight, five or one, ”Reuters quotes Čeferin with reference to the Movistar + TV channel.

In addition, he stressed that it is too early to say whether the matches will be held in full stands, with partial admission of fans or without spectators at all.

Similar statements by the head of UEFA appeared against the background of information that the organization is considering a new format for the continental championship, in which the number of cities will still be reduced, as reported by a number of British media.

At the moment, all matches of the European Championship are distributed in such a way that each of the 12 cities will host three group stage games and one 1/8 or 1/4 finals match.

At the same time, London's Wembley will host both semi-finals and the final.

In Russia, the tournament will be hosted by Gazprom Arena.

However, according to the British tabloid The Sun, St. Petersburg is one of the first candidates to be eliminated from the host list of the tournament.

This also includes Baku and Bilbao.

The source of the publication notes that Azerbaijan is under question because of the conflict with Armenia, and Spain because of poor ticket sales.

No insider information is given regarding the reasons for the possible transfer of matches from St. Petersburg.

However, it is reported that in the worst case scenario, the Euro can be held at four stadiums in one country.

The teams themselves will be in special closed zones - "bubbles" - following the example of North American sports leagues, tennis Grand Slam tournaments and other competitions. 

It is assumed that these measures will ensure the safety of participants in the competition and minimize the need for a large number of people to move between states.

However, for now, the Russian fans should have no cause for concern.

The organizing committee of the Russian part of Euro 2020 said that preparations for the tournament did not stop, and information about the change in the format of the competition had no serious grounds.

“We are not aware of such plans and discussions.

We perceive this information as not very reliable rumors.

We continue to prepare for the Euro.

We are in daily contact with colleagues from UEFA, recently we held a round table on certain aspects of the organization of the Euro.

So far, we have nothing to worry about, "- quotes the" Championship "director general of the organizing committee and a member of the UEFA executive committee Alexei Sorokin.

This information was confirmed by the authorities of St. Petersburg.

According to the vice-governor of the city, Vladimir Kirillov, they have not received any notifications from UEFA that the organization intends to refuse to hold matches in Russia.

“Considering the general readiness of the city infrastructure to host such a significant international event, no scenarios of refusal to hold it by the city authorities are being considered.

All the necessary assurances were presented to UEFA about the readiness of St. Petersburg to host the tournament at the highest level, including the envisaged measures to counter the spread of coronavirus infection, ”Kirillov assured TASS.

The Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan (AFFA) also reported about the absence of additional notifications from UEFA.

UEFA has repeatedly stated that a complete cancellation of Euro 2020 is out of the question, as this will entail significant financial losses.

At the same time, the other day the head coach of the England national football team Gareth Southgate suggested that the tournament may not take place, given the instability of the situation.

“We cannot say with certainty that Euro 2020 will take place next year.

It cannot be said with certainty that it will be held in the planned format.

One can only hope that by spring everything will become clearer.

I think, in general, these forecasts can be trusted.

We can definitely host the tournament.

While at Wembley there should be a lot of matches and this is unlikely to change, but it is not yet known what format we will eventually come to, "the Daily Mail quoted Southgate as saying.

Earlier, similar concerns were expressed in the UK government.

They said that when making the final decision, they will be guided by considerations of ensuring the safety of the participants in the competition.