Wembley could be abolished its host status for the holidays and finals of Euro 2020, if the British government does not allow quarantine exemptions for traveling fans and officials.
London is one of the 11 host cities for the tournament and will host England’s clash with Scotland on Friday, having already conceded their 1-0 victory over Croatia on Monday.
Wembley will play a bigger role as the tournament continues: in addition to the three group stage matches, it is in a row to host two rounds of 16 matches, both the semi-finals and the final on 11 July.
However, UEFA is believed to be concerned about its viability as a host for the late stages of the tournament. As reported by various outlets, including The Times and ESPN, the UK’s ten-day quarantine rule for foreign visitors has prompted the government to consider its options.
As it now stands, nine of the 11 host cities have agreed on an exemption from quarantine rules for those traveling abroad to participate in the game. It includes ticket fans, broadcasters, sponsors, officials and anyone who has access to the arena.
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In London and Glasgow, things are a little more complex. Only team personnel have been granted a direct exemption. all others are subject to a quarantine period depending on where they travel from. With most countries on the amber list, it probably means ten days in isolation on arrival in the UK.
UEFA are afraid of discouraging fans from traveling to England for the matches, and with Wembley set at 50% capacity for knockout matches, they want to encourage so many people to take part. They have asked the British government to consider releasing their exemption rules, and if they do not succeed, the semi-finals and finals can be held elsewhere.
Hungary’s Puskas Arena – which served as a late replacement for various Europa League and Champions League bands and will host four Euro 2020 matches when the semi comes around – is considered a feasible Plan B.
