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Is Dublin set to host extra Euro 2021 matches?

Euro 2020 was always set to be a tournament like no other, with matches spanning the full breadth...



Is Dublin set to host extra Eu...
Soccer

Is Dublin set to host extra Euro 2021 matches?

Euro 2020 was always set to be a tournament like no other, with matches spanning the full breadth of the continent. This new multinational format could complicate the rescheduling of the event - with UEFA co-ordinating Euro 2021 across 12 venues.

The current hosts are Amsterdam, Baku, Bilbao, Bucharest, Budapest, Copenhagen, Dublin, Glasgow, London, Munich, Rome and Saint Petersburg.

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal celebrates with the trophy after the Euro 2016 final football match between Portugal and France in Paris, France, July 10, 2016. Portugal won 1-0 to claim the title. (Xinhua/Bai Xuefei) (Photo by Xinhua/Sipa USA)

According to the Irish Daily Mail, there are fresh concerns about the hosting of matches in Spain and Italy.

The paper reports that Bilbao and Rome may be unable to honour their commitments to host Euro clashes following the devastating effects of the Covid-19 pandemic - and that this stance has been communicated to UEFA.

Other cities may face double-bookings in their stadia.

euro 2021 Republic of Ireland's Robbie Brady celebrates scoring his side's first goal of the game with team mates during the round of 16 match at the Stade de Lyon, Lyon.

Dublin could be one of the cities ready to take on extra matches if other countries are unable to stage games.

Euro 2021

Despite the global health crisis - UEFA has maintained that it is committed to fulfilling Euro 2021 across multiple venues, despite the extra travel involved.

Ireland is set to host four matches, two group matches which will involve Stephen Kenny's side if they can negotiate their way through the play-offs. Poland and Sweden are due to play a group match at the Aviva Stadium while a Round of 16 tie is also scheduled here.

euro 2021 26 November 2018; Newly appointed Republic of Ireland U21 manager Stephen Kenny following a press conference at Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

UEFA has already contacted ticketholders to stress that they will offer full refunds if fans are unable to attend rescheduled matches.

A communication from the European football governing body stated:

"We understand you will have several questions about what happens next. We are working to ensure you are kept up to date with all relevant ticketing information in view of the postponed tournament.

"As an existing ticket buyer, UEFA would like to reassure you that if you cannot attend the tournament in 2021, the face value of your tickets will be refunded in full.

"Within the next month, further information on the refund process will be communicated to you."

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Aviva Aviva Stadium Dublin Euro 2020 Euro 2021 Football Ireland Irish Soccer