UEFA have announced the postponement of UEFA EURO 2020, due to be played in June and July across 12 venues in Europe this year.
The move will help all domestic competitions, currently on hold due to the COVID-19 emergency, to be completed and all UEFA competitions and matches (including friendlies) for clubs and national teams for both men and women have been put on hold until further notice.
The decisions, taken by UEFA’s Executive Committee, followed video conference meetings held today with the presidents and general secretaries of the 55 national associations, as well as representatives of the European Club Association, European Leagues and FIFPro Europe to find a coherent plan to break the logjam of fixtures building up due to the spread of the virus across the continent.
"People’s health and well-being has to be the primary concern for all of us, so we fully support UEFA’s decision to postpone EURO 2020," said FA CEO Mark Bullingham.
“We'll be considering the implications for all England teams and our organisation over the coming days, including any implications on the date of the 2021 women’s EURO which we are very proud to be hosting.
“We'll continue to work in collaboration with the PL, EFL and our football partners on the scenarios that could follow UEFA’s decision today and ensure we're ready to put them into immediate action once it is appropriate to do so.
“Until then, we'll continue to follow the advice of Government and the health authorities."
UEFA EURO 2020 was scheduled to take place in twelve cities across Europe from 12 June to 12 July 2020. The proposed new dates are 11 June - 11 July 2021.
"We are at the helm of a sport that vast numbers of people live and breathe that has been laid low by this invisible and fast-moving opponent,” said Ceferin.
"It’s at times like these, that the football community needs to show responsibility, unity, solidarity and altruism.
"The health of fans, staff and players has to be our number one priority and in that spirit, UEFA tabled a range of options so that competitions can finish this season safely and I am proud of the response of my colleagues across European football.
"There was a real spirit of co-operation, with everyone recognising that they had to sacrifice something in order to achieve the best result.
"It was important that, as the governing body of European football, UEFA led the process and made the biggest sacrifice.
"Moving EURO 2020 comes at a huge cost for UEFA but we will do our best to ensure that the vital funding for grassroots, women’s football and the development of the game in our 55 countries is not affected.
"Purpose over profit has been our guiding principle in taking this decision for the good of European football as a whole."
UEFA would like to reassure existing ticket buyers and hospitality clients that if they cannot attend the tournament in 2021, the face value of their tickets and packages will be refunded in full. Within the next month,further information on the refund process will be communicated to existing ticket buyers via e-mail.
Decisions on dates for other UEFA competitions, whether club or national team for men or women, will be taken and announced in due course.
