Crowd capacity at Wembley Stadium will be increased to more than 60,000 fans for the first in almost a year and a half. The UK government made the pronouncement on Tuesday, with the new directive set to be implemented for the semi-finals and finals of Euro 2020.
Ahead of the commencement of the group fixtures, Wembley’s capacity was increased to 22,500 with the ease of restrictions in the country. The number will be maintained for the round of 16 match between Italy and Austria on June 26 but will rise to 40,000 for the other round of 16 match on June 29 which will feature England.
Following recent talks between UEFA and the UK government for quarantine restrictions to be eased, concerns of a purported surge in the number of coronavirus cases in the country raised by Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi have been addressed. On Monday, the latter asked for the final to be moved from Wembley but the European football governing body has reiterated its stance to play the match at the venue. In addition, the new directive issued for the UK government will see the stadium being filled up to a 75% capacity for the penultimate knockout game as well as the final slated for July 11.
“We are thrilled that more fans will now be able to walk through the Wembley turnstiles and enjoy the finals of Euro 2020,” said culture secretary Oliver Dowden.
“As we continue to make progress on our roadmap out of lockdown, keeping the public safe remains our top priority. We have worked extremely closely with UEFA and the FA to ensure rigorous and tight public health measures are in place whilst allowing more fans to see the action live.
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin subsequently welcomed the increased capacity and extended his appreciation to the UK government for the move.
“This tournament has been a beacon of hope to reassure people that we are returning to a more normal way of life and this is a further step along that road,” he said.
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