Euro 2020 matches could be staged in front of full capacity crowds after the UK’s Covid-19 test events were hailed as a “real success” by the Culture Secretary.
Oliver Dowden told the Evening Standard there had been just 15 positive cases among the 58,000 people who attended the events, which included Leicester City’s victory over Chelsea in the FA Cup final and the World Snooker Championship.
It has increased hopes that lockdown is on course to end on 21 June and that the European Championship games due to take place at Wembley Stadium could be played in front of 90,000 fans.
Many supporters first bought tickets in 2019, but were required to enter a ballot once it appeared likely that the number of spectators allowed to attend would be reduced. That meant fans who were unsuccessful in the draw saw their tickets cancelled.
Uefa has confirmed to i that “should the capacities increase, the tickets will be offered with priority to those whose tickets had been cancelled in the recent ballot(s)”. They will be contacted by email for details of how to re-book should that happen.
European football’s governing body has not yet been able to clarify the process to ticket-holders because there is still no official confirmation on how many people will be allowed in.
However, that has left some fans furious as Uefa began issuing refunds and voiding tickets last week.
Ryan Brady, a Newcastle fan whose tickets to England vs Scotland were cancelled, told i: “The process has just been exhausting, we’ve been left completely out of the loop, other than getting the odd email saying ‘would you like a refund of your tickets?’ for weeks on end.
“To see England at Wembley was a once in a lifetime chance. Eventually I got an email saying my tickets were being refunded for less than what I’ve paid because of the exchange rate, which is an absolute joke.
“The whole thing is making me less excited for the tournament in general. And on the same email they told you the tickets were getting refunded, they were advertising corporate boxes for thousands of pounds.”
Another fan, John Wigston, said he had also lost money when his ticket was refunded. “Unfortunately due to the current exchange rate, my refund was £317. So I also lost £20 for the privilege. I appreciate some tickets had to be cancelled, but to see hospitality tickets still available for purchase, along with multiple ‘win tickets’ emails from Just Eat and Costa is pretty frustrating.”
Luke Marley, an England fan who initially had tickets but then lost out during a ballot once the capacity was reduced, described it as a “kick in the teeth”.
“It’s always been a dream to see my country play in a major tournament. I got an email on 13 May and have heard nothing since.”
Chris Sergeant, meanwhile, said he had been “left in limbo” and was only notified that his tickets were no longer valid on 19 May, with around three weeks to go until the beginning of the tournament.
“One of the most galling parts was that alongside my Uefa email, I received another from one of the tournaments sponsors, advertising that they had ‘lots’ of tournament tickets available to be won through using their app, including for the game we were due to see. These emails and offers have only increased since.”
i has contacted Uefa for comment on fans’ complaints over the ticketing process.
Euro 2020 matches at Wembley
- Sunday 13 June 2021 – Group D: England vs Croatia, 2pm
- Friday 18 June 2021 – Group D: England vs Scotland, 8pm
- Tuesday 22 June 2021 – Group D: Czech Republic vs England, 8pm
- Saturday 26 June 2021 – R16: 1A vs 2C, 8pm
- Tuesday 29 June 2021 – R16: 1D vs 2F, 5pm
- Tuesday 6 July 2021 – SF1: Winner QF2 vs Winner QF1, 8pm
- Wednesday 7 July 2021 – SF2: Winner QF4 vs Winner QF3, 8pm
- Sunday 11 July 2021 – Final: Winner SF1 vs Winner SF2, 8pm
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from Football – inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/3vmH2qH
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