Glasgow organising group responds to UEFA Executive Committee’s postponement of EURO 2020

The UEFA EURO 2020 Glasgow Local Organising Structure (LOS) notes today’s decision by UEFA to postpone the European Football Championship until 2021.

Coronavirus is a global pandemic and as such the primary consideration of the LOS is to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of the hundreds of thousands of supporters, visitors and citizens who were anticipating being part of the host city experience of UEFA EURO 2020 in Glasgow. We believe today’s announcement to be a pragmatic and common-sense decision and will now work to adapt our planning accordingly for the rescheduled dates of 11th June to 11th July 2021.

Naturally, the LOS will require time to consider the full implications of today’s decision but we welcome the news that the tournament will proceed in the same format.

Beyond the immediate priority of the health and safety of the public, we must efficiently and sensitively liaise with all relevant stakeholders to offer clarity to residents, partners, suppliers, volunteers and the workforce, all of whom have been preparing diligently for Glasgow being one of the 12 host cities for UEFA EURO 2020.

Rod Petrie, Chair of the Glasgow Local Organising Committee for UEFA EURO 2020: “Glasgow has come together in support of UEFA EURO 2020 from the minute the Scottish FA outlined its intention to bid to be part of the unique 60th anniversary celebrations. In the current circumstances, with the world in the grip of a coronavirus pandemic, I am sure the city and all involved in the planning phase will ensure an appropriate co-ordinated response to the announcement by UEFA’s Executive Committee.

“I would like to place on record my thanks to the members of the LOS: from Scottish Ministers and Glasgow City Council, to Glasgow Life and Visit Scotland, Police Scotland and the Scottish FA Project Office. They have worked tirelessly in preparing the stadium and the city to create a world-class experience for UEFA EURO 2020 - the same preparation will ensure a memorable occasion.

“Unfortunately, football is not immune to coronavirus. The team will now put together a plan that minimises the impact of the postponement for all. I am confident we will play our part when the time is right for the UEFA EURO finals to take place but in the meantime the team are committed to communicating with all key stakeholders to mitigate the impact of the decision and to provide reassurance to all suppliers and businesses involved in the project at local and national level.”

Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Fair Work and Culture: “We fully support today’s decision by UEFA to postpone the European Championship until 2021. Health is paramount and the decision is consistent with Scottish Government advice that event organisers should cancel or postpone mass events, of 500 people or more, to protect the capacity of our public services.

“Event partners have worked tirelessly together to bring this unique 60th anniversary edition of the Championship to Glasgow and Scotland. As part of the Local Organising Structure, the Scottish Government will continue to work closely with the Scottish FA, Glasgow City Council, Police Scotland and others to minimise the impact of the postponement.”

Councillor David McDonald, Depute Leader, Glasgow City Council: “When hosting major events, the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved including players, officials, fans, volunteers and staff is our absolute priority, so we fully support the decision made by UEFA today to postpone the European Championship until 2021, given the unprecedented challenge we all face.

“In Glasgow we have developed a strong partnership as a Local Organising Structure and we look forward to having more detailed discussions with UEFA in due course with regards to their future plans for the tournament.

“However we also recognise the considerable impact this decision will have on a significant number of individuals and organisations and we will work as swiftly and sensitively as possible to provide whatever support we can at this difficult time.”