DUBLIN could be stripped of its Euro 2020 hosting duties unless the Irish government lifts Covid-19 restrictions early to allow fans to gather in stadiums.
UEFA reportedly want all stadiums to be at least 25% full during each match at Euro 2020 this summer, and are considering removing certain cities as hosts if they're unable to let this happen.
The tournament, which has been delayed by a year due to Covid-19, was originally scheduled to take place in 12 cities across 12 nations.
Dublin's Aviva Stadium was selected to host a number of matches, but is now at risk of being dropped, along with Glasgow's Hampden Park and Bilbao's Estadio San Mames, over the lack of a guarantee that fans will be able to attend in June.
Ever since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, all major football matches have been played behind closed doors, but since the emergence of vaccines, there are hopes that fans could be allowed to return to stadiums within the next few months.
However, this all depends on the speediness of each country's vaccination roll-out. The UK has had an extremely quick and efficient roll-out, having already administered over 21 million jabs to the general public, and earlier this week Prime Minister Boris Johnson offered to host the entire tournament in England.
While handing all hosting duties to the UK has been ruled out, UEFA say they will make a decision on whether or not to proceed with the 12 host-city format next month.
By April 7, two days after Ireland is due to begin a gradual relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions, UEFA say they want commitments from all host cities that a certain number of fans will be able to attend each game.
In the meantime, football's European governing body has insisted that Dublin, and the 11 other host cities, remain a part of its plans.
The Aviva Stadium is set to host three Euro 2020 matches, including two group games and one last-16 fixture. But for how long?
