Uefa and Government ‘hopeful’ of Euro 2020 final staying at Wembley as No10 look ahead to British Isles 2030 World Cup
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UEFA and the Government remain ‘hopeful’ of a deal to ensure the closing stages of Euro 2020 remain at Wembley.
Euro chiefs have warned they could move the semi-finals and final to Budapest unless they receive guarantees from Britain.
Uefa pointed out that part of the agreement with the UK and FA over hosting was that there would be an agreement to allow up to 2,500 VIPs, sponsors and foreign media into the country for the games.
But current Covid rules would require all overseas visitors to observe strict 10-day hotel quarantines, making the idea of travel for the matches at short notice impossible.
Uefa is also seeking the green light from the UK authorities for fans of the competing teams to be allowed into the country to watch the matches, which will be played in front of a capped attendance of 40,000.
That requires a relaxation of UK border regulations, which is a significant stumbling block.
The sponsor, VIP and media demands scuppered plans to play last month’s Champions League Final between Chelsea and Manchester City at Wembley when it was moved from Istanbul, with the match eventually being played in Oporto.
But with PM Boris Johnson also aware that failing to stage the games as scheduled could have a damaging impact on the effort to gain Uefa’s support for the planned British Isles 2030 World Cup bid, it is expected that a deal can be struck.
Johnson confirmed on Friday that he was ready to make ‘some sensible accommodations’ to meet Uefa’s expectations, rather than risk losing the matches.
But Uefa also recognises that it cannot be hardline in its demands.
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Talks have taken place over the past 48 hours and will continue into next week, with a final decision expected before Wednesday.
Now the mood at Uefa headquarters in Nyon is positive with a growing belief that a meeting of minds will be found.
That is likely to see a slight softening of Uefa’s demands, although Euro bosses are pushing strongly for 24-hour fan ‘bubbles’ - involving hotel and transportation - to ensure supporters can attend the game and return home immediately.
One insider said: “We are both confident we will get where we need to be on this.
“Nobody really wants to move the game to Hungary, although that is not off the table if we cannot find a suitable agreement.”
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