The competition's organizers have a contingency plan which
involves taking the semifinals and final to Budapest if an agreement cannot be
reached with authorities in London about exempting fans from quarantine.
The Euro 2020 semifinals and final are scheduled to be
played at Wembley Stadium from July 6-11.
Because of a rise in coronavirus cases, plans to lift more
coronavirus restrictions in England this month were paused until July 19. But
UEFA did still secure a rise in attendance from about 22,000 to at least 40,000
for one round of 16 game, the semifinals and the final at Wembley.
“UEFA is delighted that the capacity at Wembley will go up
to at least 50% for the knockout round matches," European soccer's
governing body said in a statement.
“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 U.K. would be less than 24 hours and their movements would be restricted
to approved transport and venues only.”
UEFA has already requested that some broadcasters and
representatives of sponsors are allowed to attend the games, abiding by
restrictions on movement.
Tourists from all participating countries have to quarantine
for at least five days when entering Britain at the moment.
“We understand the pressures that the government face and
hope to be able to reach a satisfactory conclusion of our discussions on the
matter,” UEFA said. “There is always a contingency plan but we are confident
that the final week will be held in London.” -AP