UEFA is likely to run ballots to decide which fans will miss out on attending matches at this summer’s European Championships.
The Times newspaper reports that a meeting of tournament organisers from the 12 host countries heard that thousands of ticket holders are set to be disappointed as it has become apparent that stadiums are likely to be half-full at most.
The rescheduled Euro 2020, which is due to take place from June 11 to July 11, will be held in 12 cities across the continent but the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is set to cause further logistical challenges.
Supporters at almost every venue are likely to have to accept refunds because of restrictions on stadium capacities across the venues. Those who miss out are likely to be held on a reserve list in case restrictions are eased.
While final decisions will be made next month, the expectation of European football’s governing body is that lotteries will be held to determine final ticketing arrangements.
In January, UEFA said it was considering either a ballot system to decide which tickets would remain valid or refund all 1.5 million of the three million tickets already sold and start again. Supporters have already had three opportunities to apply for refunds.
UEFA is waiting to hear the plans of each host city, which will be submitted early next month.
The meeting also heard that restrictions on international travel imposed by the 12 governments are likely to mean that travelling fans could be banned.
The 12 cities scheduled to host matches at Euro 2020 are London, Glasgow, Dublin, Bilbao, Amsterdam, Munich, Rome, Copenhagen, Budapest, Bucharest, Saint Petersburg and Baku.
London’s Wembley Stadium is due to host seven fixtures, including the semi-finals and final. Rome’s Stadio Olimpico will host the opening match between Italy and Turkey on June 11.
Image: Wembley Stadium
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