SFA and UEFA in talks over Euro 2020 Hampden matches

The Scottish Football Association says it remains in talks with UEFA about Hampden hosting four matches at this summer’s European Championship.

Scottish football’s governing body released a statement on Thursday, saying it hopes that “as many fans as possible” can attend the fixtures scheduled to take place in Glasgow.

It comes after sources told The Associated Press that Bilbao, Dublin and Glasgow are at risk of being dropped over the lack of guarantees about the number of fans that could be allowed into stadiums by June

They spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the situation ahead of a looming deadline for UEFA to receive the plans from host countries.

A Scottish FA spokesperson said: “We remain in constant dialogue with UEFA and Scottish Government regarding the co-hosting of the tournament in Scotland, given the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We will continue these discussions to ensure as many fans as possible can enjoy the four matches at Hampden Park.

“We also note UEFA’s re-stated commitment to holding Euro 2020 across the 12 European cities, with no other plans being pursued, and will continue to work towards UEFA’s submission deadline of April 7.”

Sports venues in England will be able to welcome spectators back on a limited basis from May 17 under Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s recovery plan.

The target of June 21 to lift all restrictions comes midway through the rearranged Euro 2020 finals, and the day before England are due to face the Czech Republic at Wembley.

But the Scottish Government has not fixed any such dates for the return of spectators to stadiums.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon says she hopes to remove the stay at home requirement by April 5 and then, at least three weeks later, Scotland will return to geographically variable levels.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “We believe Scotland is the perfect stage for major events and we are working closely with our partners, including the Scottish FA, on preparation for the matches at Hampden this summer.

“In response to the Covid situation, all 12 host cities are considering a range of planning scenarios, including the scale of supporter attendance at stadiums and fan zones.

“Partners are in regular contact with UEFA, who will review scenario planning with each of the hosts in April before confirming final proposals.”

UEFA has an executive committee scheduled for April 19, where it is possible decisions on whether to withdraw hosting rights from one or more cities could be taken.

The 12 hosts will be asked to effectively make a minimum guarantee on capacity limits by April 7 and UEFA anticipates the cities will wait until the last moment to commit themselves to a position.

They will be asked to consider the most realistic of four scenarios, ranging from a 100 per cent capacity venue to playing behind closed doors.