UEFA to consider postponing Euro 2020 over coronavirus

MANCHESTER, England - UEFA will consider the option of postponing Euro 2020 during a video conference with its 55 federations, a source close to European soccer's governing body said on Thursday as the sport faced up to the growing impact of the coronavirus.

The 24-team Euro 2020 tournament, scheduled to be held in 12 countries from June 12 to July 12, could be pushed back a year or be re-organised with different venues, the source said.

UEFA will hold a video conference meeting next Tuesday and as well as the federations, representatives of clubs, leagues and players will discuss the impact of the coronavirus on all European fixtures, including Euro 2020.

The European Championship is the biggest national team tournament after the World Cup and a major source of revenue for UEFA and its member organisations.

UEFA has declined to discuss the options saying on Thursday that the "discussions will include all domestic and European competitions, including UEFA EURO 2020".

"Further communication will be made following those meetings," it said.

The source added that as well as postponement other options that will be considered include switching venues and a possible change to the format of the tournament.

Reuters