UEFA ‘are keen to press ahead with their initial 12-venue plan for Euro 2020 amid Covid-19 pandemic’

UEFA are still looking to go ahead with the original 12-venue plan for Euro 2020 even if stadiums are only at a quarter of their full capacity, according to reports.

Sportsmail revealed on Friday that a number of the 12 cities are resigned to losing their hosting role due to the impracticality of European travel during the coronavirus crisis.

However, they are refusing to pull out at this stage because they want compensation from UEFA — not least as they have spent heavily improving facilities and infrastructure.

UEFA are pressing ahead with their original 12-venue plan for Euro 2020, according to reports

The governing body are willing to do so even if stadiums are only at a quarter of their capacity

Now, according to the Independent, the cities have expressed their ongoing commitment to the delayed tournament even if it means reducing supporter capacity to 25 per cent inside grounds.

Talks over plans for the tournament are said to have intensified during the last fortnight, with UEFA conscious of the need for clarity for both fans and federations given that the tournament is less than six months away.

The same outlet adds the European governing body’s contingency plans involve four principal options, from full stadiums to capacity at 75 per cent, half full grounds and 25 per cent capacity. A final decision is expected on March 5.

But the report claims that the Covid-19 pandemic may see some hosts drop out at a later stage due to reasons out of their control, although they are resisting for now. 

The impracticality of travel during the coronavirus crisis means a number of cities are resigned to losing their hosting role but they are resisting to pull out 

The idea of hosting the tournament in England alone, or in Scotland and Ireland as well was also reportedly tabled but is said to be unlikely due to UEFA’s belief that the tournament can be staged according to the various stages of plans.

As stated by Sportsmail, The FA are confident that England will not lose their hosting role as Wembley is due to stage seven matches including both semi-finals and the final.

And as Sportsmail revealed last November, they could be given additional matches if UEFA pursue a slimmed-down version of the competition. 

UEFA are conscious of the need for clarity for both fans and federations given that the tournament is less than six months away

The report comes nearly a week after Bayern Munich chief and Germany legend Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin favours a single host.

Rummenigge told Munich-based newspapers Munchener Merkur/TZ: ‘We must not forget that the idea of this special hosting of the tournament came about when the coronavirus did not yet exist.

‘At that time it was an initiative of the EU Commission that wanted to have football shown all over Europe.

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge (right) claimed Aleksander Ceferin (left) wants a single host

‘But I know that the UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin – who is incredibly careful with corona – is thinking about whether it wouldn’t make more sense in these times to play the tournament in just one country.

‘That would be with a corresponding hygiene concept, of course.’

UEFA also confirmed last week ticket-holders would receive a refund if matches are moved to a stadium more than 50 kilometres from the original venue.