Munich, Rome hope to host Euro 2020 games with fans in stadiums

Munich/Rome (dpa) – Euro 2020 host cities Munich and Rome hope to stage games at the tournament delayed to this summer with fans in the stadium despite the coronavirus pandemic.

“The German football federation [DFB] and the host city of Munich continue to plan for UEFA Euro 2020 with various scenarios regarding possible spectators in the stadium. Accordingly, the documents will now also be submitted,” the city told the dpa on Tuesday.

Which scenario could be implemented would depend on the pandemic situation in June and July. Munich will host three group stage games and one quarter-final match at Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena.

“It’s certainly conceivable and desirable that spectators can be in the stadium for the four games in Munich.” The city also assured “a withdrawal was and is not an issue from Munich’s point of view.”

The Italian football federation (FIGC) is also in talks with the Italian government about allowing fans into Rome’s Olympic Stadium for matches which include the opening game.

FIGC president Gabriele Gravina has received word from Health Minister Roberto Speranza that this should be the goal, a statement said.

Gravina spoke of an “exccellent result” which was good for the country and not only football.

Experts in the Italian government are working on the “best solution” to how fans can be permitted to attend.

Earlier this week, European ruling body UEFA had said that the twelve host cities – including Munich and Rome – had submitted their concepts for hosting the matches.

“We set April 7 as a deadline, so it’s pleasing that all cities have already responded positively,” UEFA tournament director Martin Kallen told Danish channel TV3 Sport at the beginning of the week.

After the postponement to this summer due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Euro 2020 is set to start on June 11. The final is July 11 at Wembley stadium in London.