Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is on standby to replace two of the games assigned to Dublin at this summer’s European Championship.
The north London club have offered the use of their home to UEFA, amid uncertainty over which venues will get the green light thanks to restrictions triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Doubts have been raised over the Irish capital’s Aviva Stadium ahead of Monday, when host cities must commit to a goal of allowing fans into venues at a minimum 25 per cent occupancy. Ireland’s stringent restrictions make it unlikely the FAI will be able to make such a pledge.
While Dublin has not been ruled out, Spurs are part of UEFA’s contingency plans, and their impressive 62,850–capacity home has been inspected and meets all tournament requirements.
At least two Group E games may move — Poland v Slovakia on June 14 and Sweden v Poland on June 23, while Sweden’s clash with Slovakia on June 18 could be switched to Hampden Park to avoid two games in London on the same day. The last-16 game assigned to Dublin on June 29 could also head to London.
One issue may be the ability of fans of Poland, Slovakia and Sweden to enter the UK at the time of the matches. However, UEFA are close to finalising a plan B with Tottenham firmly in the picture, according to insiders.
A 25 per cent occupancy of the much-vaunted Tottenham ground would allow a gate of about 15,700.
Source: m.allfootballapp.com