UEFA has refused to rule out moving the Euro 2020 semi-finals and final away from Wembley if overseas fans and 2,500 VIPs are not granted exemptions from COVID-19 quarantine rules.
The Times reported on Friday that UEFA was considering Budapest as an alternative venue for the fixtures if UEFA and FIFA officials, politicians, sponsors and broadcasters were made to self-isolate on entry to the United Kingdom.
UEFA later released a statement in which it said it was “confident” the final week of the tournament would be held in London. UEFA however added that “there is always a contingency plan”.
UEFA’s statement on Friday said that a loosening of quarantine rules was needed so that “fans of the participating teams” could attend the matches at Wembley.
The governing body said: "UEFA is delighted that the capacity at Wembley will go up to at least 50% for the knock-out round matches. At the moment, we are in discussions with the local authorities to try to allow fans of the participating teams to attend the matches, using a strict testing and bubble concept that would mean their stay in the UK would be less than 24 hours and their movements would be restricted to approved transport and venues only.
"We understand the pressures that the Government face and hope to be able to reach a satisfactory conclusion of our discussions on the matter. There is always a contingency plan but we are confident that the final week will be held in London," the organization added.
