UK allowing 60K fans for Euro 2020 semi-finals, final

The United Kingdom is allowing more than 60,000 fans for the upcoming Euro 2020 semi-finals and final.

The decision was announced by the government on Tuesday. Wembley Stadium in London, which is hosting the games, was originally set to have a capacity of 22,500, Reuters reported.

The capacity will rise to 40,000 on June 29 for another round of 16 match.

Those who attend the games must prove they are fully vaccinated or have had a negative COVID-19 test 72 hours before.

“We are thrilled that more fans will now be able to walk through the Wembley turnstiles and enjoy the finals of Euro 2020,” United Kingdom Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said.

The change in capacity comes after the final was moved to England from Italy due to a rise in COVID-19 cases in the country.

“This tournament has been a beacon of hope to reassure people that we are returning to a more normal way of life and this is a further step along that road,” UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said after the increase in capacity was announced.

The increase in fans means the stadium will be at 75 percent capacity, according to Reuters.

“As we continue to make progress on our roadmap out of lockdown, keeping the public safe remains our top priority. We have worked extremely closely with UEFA and the FA to ensure rigorous and tight public health measures are in place whilst allowing more fans to see the action live,” Dowden said.