UK government scotches report it has offered to host Euro2020

February 22 – Britain’ health secretary Matt Hancock has shot down a newspaper report which suggested the UK may be ready to host next summer’s delayed Euro 2020.

The Sunday Times claimed one of Hancock’s fellow Cabinet colleagues, Oliver Dowden, the culture secretary, has signalled to UEFA that progress on vaccinations meant the UK, which is already hosting the semi-finals and final of the pan-European event at Wembley as well as earlier games in Glasgow, might be able to stage even more fixtures.

The report claims government sources have said they would ‘respond positively’ if Uefa asked them to take on more matches.

Asked about the report on Sky News, Hancock replied: “I haven’t seen anything on that, I understand that that’s not right.”

Euro 2020 was suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic a year ago and as it stands will currently take place in 12 cities in 12 countries between June 11 and July 11, though UEFA has not yet made a final decision.

The virus is continuing to wreak havoc on the Champions League and Europa League, with a cluster of games switched to neutral venues. UEFA are watching the situation carefully.

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