UEFA is reportedly planning to relocate matches at this summer’s championships after the Irish capital was unable to give assurances over fan numbers.
Several Russian sports outlets have reported that St. Petersburg will be one of the beneficiaries, citing sources familiar with the situation.
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Dublin was set to host three group-stage matches involving Poland, Slovakia and Sweden, as well as one quarter-final, but the hosting rights were at risk of being axed if they could not guarantee a limited number of spectators.
Earlier this month, the Irish FA notified UEFA that it couldn’t provide assurances on a minimum 25% of spectator capacity, but was given an extended deadline to asses the situation. That time now appears to be up, however.
“On Friday UEFA will announce its decision that St. Petersburg will be granted the right to host three more [group] matches – those which should have taken place in Dublin,” said Match TV commentator Nobel Arustamyan said.
“My sources have confirmed this information. Russia’s Euro 2020 Organizing Committee is ready for UEFA’s decision.”
Russia’s Euro 2020 Organizing Committee said the stadium in St. Petersburg will be filled to 50% capacity – the joint highest number of any of the 12 host cities, and a figure which could even be increased closer to the tournament, should the conditions allow.
St. Petersburg was already due to hold three group matches and one quarter-final at the 68,000-seater Krestovsky Stadium home of Russian Premier League champions Zenit.
The venue, which also hosted matches at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, will likely now benefit from even more games.