Seville set to replace Bilbao as Euro 2020 host city
Seville will replace Bilbao as a host city for this summer's rearranged European Championship, with Spain set to play their three group games in the Andalusian city.
Bilbao was dropped as a venue on Thursday, with the Basque city's authorities unable to meet UEFA's requirements for fan attendance in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.
European football's governing body wants guarantees from its 12 host cities that their respective stadiums will be at least 25% full, but restrictions currently in place in the Basque Country mean organisers in Bilbao are unable to make that commitment.
It has now been revealed by Reuters that Seville is set to step in, playing host to Spain's three Group E fixtures, as well as a last 16 tie.
Should Seville be selected, neither Sevilla's nor Real Betis' home grounds will be the Euro 2020 venue, with the city's La Cartuja stadium instead likely to play host.
The 60,000-capacity multi-purpose arena has hosted two Copa del Rey finals already this year, as well as the Spanish Super Cup final.
Reuters exclusive - Seville will be named as host city for Euro 2020 to replace Bilbao. Spain's three Group E games will be played there plus a last-16 match.
— Richard Martin (@Rich9908) April 23, 2021
UEFA has yet to confirm the replacement, with the 12 host cities due to be finalised following an executive committee meeting later on Friday.
A decision is also expected on whether Dublin and Munich will still be able to host matches with tighter restrictions in Ireland and Germany, while the nine other host cities are already confirmed having guaranteed their stadiums will be at least a quarter full.
Munich could be cleared, but it has been rumoured that Wembley will be given the round of 16 fixture due to be played in Dublin - which is struggling to confirm spectators - while the city's three group games could also be moved elsewhere.
Bilbao will no longer play host to matches at this summer's Euros having been dropped by UEFA. ?️❌
— 90min (@90min_Football) April 22, 2021
England's home is expected to be handed more matches at this summer's European Championship as a reward for the Football Association's role in stopping the breakaway Super League.
There could also be extra games handed to the Gazprom Arena in Saint Petersburg as a reward for Russia's ability to confirm large capacities in the stadium this summer.