Advertisement
UK markets closed
  • FTSE 100

    7,952.62
    +20.64 (+0.26%)
     
  • FTSE 250

    19,884.73
    +74.07 (+0.37%)
     
  • AIM

    743.26
    +1.15 (+0.15%)
     
  • GBP/EUR

    1.1700
    +0.0007 (+0.06%)
     
  • GBP/USD

    1.2620
    -0.0003 (-0.02%)
     
  • Bitcoin GBP

    55,245.26
    -738.53 (-1.32%)
     
  • CMC Crypto 200

    885.54
    0.00 (0.00%)
     
  • S&P 500

    5,254.35
    +5.86 (+0.11%)
     
  • DOW

    39,807.37
    +47.29 (+0.12%)
     
  • CRUDE OIL

    83.11
    -0.06 (-0.07%)
     
  • GOLD FUTURES

    2,254.80
    +16.40 (+0.73%)
     
  • NIKKEI 225

    40,369.44
    +201.37 (+0.50%)
     
  • HANG SENG

    16,541.42
    +148.58 (+0.91%)
     
  • DAX

    18,492.49
    +15.40 (+0.08%)
     
  • CAC 40

    8,205.81
    +1.00 (+0.01%)
     

Wembley: Government and UEFA in talks over increasing stadium capacity to 65,000 for final week of Euros

Wembley Stadium (PA Wire)
Wembley Stadium (PA Wire)

The Government and UEFA are in talks over increasing the capacity of Wembley to around 65,000 spectators for the semi-finals and final of Euro 2020.

The national football stadium is currently at a capacity of 22,500 for group games due to restrictions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, but that is set to rise to 45,000 for the knockout stages.

It is possible, however, that for the semi-finals and final - both due to be held at Wembley - the stadium may be two thirds full and at a capacity of 65,000.

The Government and UEFA are in discussions about such a possibility, with talks ongoing this week over an agreement.

ADVERTISEMENT

As with all games so far, fans would only be able to attend matches at Wembley provided they can provide proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test before entry.

The situation regarding overseas fans is still being clarified, due to the fact they would be forced to quarantine, and talks are ongoing surrounding them.

UEFA also wants around 2,500 VIPs to be able to attend, but that number may have to be reduced and restrictions could be imposed such as testing and remaining in a bubble.

The semi-finals are due to take place at Wembley on July 6/7, with the final taking place on July 11.

UEFA said last week they are confident the final week will be held in London, but they have a contingency plan if it cannot be. The Government has postponed lifting all restrictions until July 19, which raised concerns of the semi-final and finals.

“UEFA is delighted that the capacity at Wembley will go up to at least 50 per cent for the knock-out round matches,” UEFA said on Friday.

“At the moment, we are in discussions with the local authorities to try to allow fans of the participating teams to attend the matches, using a strict testing and bubble concept that would mean their stay in the UK would be less than 24 hours and their movements would be restricted to approved transport and venues only.

“We understand the pressures that the Government face and hope to be able to reach a satisfactory conclusion of our discussions on the matter.

“There is always a contingency plan but we are confident that the final week will be held in London.”

Read More

We’ll fight to keep the Euro 2020 final at Wembley, insists Kit Malthouse

Euros final could be moved from Wembley to Hungary ‘unless quarantine waived for 2,500 officials’