Dublin has been dropped as a host city for this summer’s Euros after failing to provide guarantees of hosting matches with 25% capacity at a minimum.
Dublin were set to host three Group E matches and one match in the Round of 16 at Aviva Stadium but owing to the Coronavirus pandemic, the Irish Government were unable to meet the 25% capacity requirement and have consequently been removed as one of the host cities.
St Petersburg, Russia, will now host all three of Dublin’s allocated Group E games, which include Poland and Sweden’s clashes against Slovakia before the former two face each other in their final group game on 23 June.
Wembley Stadium in London, England, will now host two of the eight matches in the Round of 16, having been allocated Dublin’s initial tie on Tuesday 29 June (5pm BST).
Spain meanwhile will remain one of the host nations although their matches have been switched from San Mames Stadium, Bilbao to Estadio La Cartuja, Seville, following agreement between UEFA and Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).
This decision was reached in order to provide the best chance for fans to be in attendance, owing to restrictions currently in place in Bilbao and the wider Basque Country plus other areas of Spain.
Munich will remain a host city after local authorities committed to allowing a minimum of 14.5k spectators at the Allianz Arena throughout the tournament.
UEFA President, Aleksander Ceferin released a statement confirming the changes, following discussions which were held “diligently” with host nations and local authorities to guarantee “a safe and festive environment” across all games.
Ceferin also acknowledged UEFA’s “appreciation and gratitude” towards Bilbao and Dublin for their “dedication, professionalism and efforts” in attempting to ensure their games go ahead ahead of the decision to drop both cities.
Dublin’s absence now means that there will be 11 host cities across the pan-European tournament this summer.