International news agencies led their Euro 2020 stories through yesterday with confirmation that the FAI had written to UEFA “that owing to the COVID-19 pandemic it is not in a position at this point to provide assurances on minimum spectator levels at the UEFA EURO 2020 matches due to be held in Dublin in June.”

This places the hosting of the four matches in Dublin in doubt though there is still a glimmer of hope with UEFA extending the deadline on a final decision to April 28th.

Others to have announced their plans yesterday included the Netherlands where the Dutch FA confirmed they hope to have at least 12,000 fans in the 55,000 capacity Johann Cruyff Arena.

It added that it hopes that “depending on the development of the Covid-19 pandemic, there may be a chance to accommodate more fans” but also warned that the number of fans allowed in could be reduced “if the pandemic worsens in June”.

On Tuesday, the Italian FA said the government had given the green light for fans to attend Euro matches scheduled for Rome’s Stadio Olimpico, including the tournament opener.

Germany remains in discussion with local health authorities about attendance at the Allianz Arena, which may be the main reason for the once more extended deadline.

“We have advised UEFA that the matter will be kept under review and that the Dublin LOS team including Government will continue to discuss all issues with UEFA on an ongoing basis,” said the FAI statement.

“All partners of the Local Organising Structure – Government, the FAI, Aviva Stadium and Dublin City Council – recognise the challenges presented by spectator attendance at Aviva Stadium for the scheduled hosting of four matches at EURO 2020 this summer and that public health issues are the most important consideration in the organisation of the project.”

FAI Chief Executive Jonathan Hill said: “We have made our submission to UEFA today and now await their response once submissions from all 12 host cities have been received and considered.”

If we have learned anything through Covid it is not to forecast with certainty what will happen in a week or a month.

It may yet be the case that by the end of this month, the gap in Government thinking between Ireland and Europe will have narrowed in terms of freedom to allow socially distanced crowds with a host of protocols.

It may be that the vaccination programme will have accelerated again and looking two months ahead to the end of June would deliver a different conclusion.

Where there is life there is hope.

 

Sport for Business Partners