Sevilla will replace Bilbao as host of this summer’s reorganized European Championships, with Spain playing their three group games in the Andalusian city.
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Bilbao was dropped as a place on Thursday, where the Basque city authorities could not meet UEFA’s requirements for fan participation in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.
European football’s governing bodies want guarantees from their 12 host cities that their respective venues will be at least 25% full, but restrictions currently in place in the Basque Country mean that organizers in Bilbao cannot make this commitment.
UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin and his colleagues have some difficult decisions to make TYG COFFRINI / Getty Images
It has now been revealed by Reuters that Sevilla are about to go in and host Spain’s three group E matches, as well as a last 16 match.
If Sevilla are chosen, neither Sevilla’s nor Real Beti’s home ground will be the Euro 2020 venue, with the city’s La Cartuja Stadium instead likely to host.
The versatile arena with 60,000 capacity has hosted two Copa del Rey finals already this year, as well as the Spanish Super Cup final.
Reuters exclusive – Sevilla will be named host city for Euro 2020 to replace Bilbao. Spain’s three group E games will be played there plus a final 16 match.
– Richard Martin (@ Rich9908) April 23, 2021
UEFA has not yet confirmed the exchange, with the 12 host cities to be completed after a meeting of the executive committee later on Friday.
A decision is also expected on whether Dublin and Munich will still be able to host matches with stricter restrictions in Ireland and Germany, while the other nine host cities have already confirmed that they have guaranteed that their venues will be at least a quarter full.
Munich could be cleared, but it has been rumored that Wembley will be the 16th-eighth match due to be played in Dublin – which is struggling to confirm spectators – while the city’s three group games could also be moved elsewhere.
Bilbao will no longer host matches in this summer’s Euro after losing to UEFA. ? ️❌
– 90min (@ 90min_Football) April 22, 2021
England’s home is expected to have more matches at this summer’s European Championships as a reward for the Football Association’s role in stopping the Super League.
There may also be extra games handed out to the Gazprom Arena in St. Petersburg as a reward for Russia’s ability to confirm large capacity at the arena this summer.
