DUBLIN is set to be stripped of its hosting duties for Euro 2020 this summer due to the fact that Ireland cannot guarantee fan attendance.
UEFA, European football's governing body, set a deadline for this week for all 12 host nations to confirm that their stadiums would be able to fill at least 25% of their capacity for the tournament, but the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) says it's currently unable to commit to such a promise "owing to the Covid-19 pandemic."
Dublin is set to host four matches at the tournament, but these games are now likely to be given to other host nations, most probably England.
A final decision is expected on Friday once representatives from all 12 host cities have met with UEFA to discuss the issue.
Other host cities - such as Bilbao, Copenhagen and Amsterdam - were in similar danger of losing matches due to a failure to guarantee fans, but it appears that all have now indicated to UEFA that they will be able to fill 25% of their stadiums in time for the tournament.
The only host city not to have offered a guarantee is Dublin.
On Wednesday, the FAI released a statement saying they have informed UEFA that they cannot commit to such a guarantee yet.
"The Football Association of Ireland, on advice and guidance from the Government, has today notified UEFA that owing to the Covid-19 pandemic it is not in a position at this point to provide assurances on minimum spectator levels at the UEFA EURO 2020 matches due to be held in Dublin in June," the statement read.
"In so doing, we have advised UEFA that the matter will be kept under review and that the Dublin LOS team including Government will continue to discuss all issues with UEFA on an ongoing basis."
