UEFA today confirmed to the SFA that Glasgow will be used as a host city for the Euro 2020 finals next summer following a meeting of their executive committee.
The tournament has been moved to next year due to the coronavirus outbreak and will be staged at cvenues across Europe from June 11 to July 11, 2021.
UEFA today stated that three Group D matches will be held at Hampden Park on June 14, 18 and 22 and will be followed by last 16 match on June 29.
The announcement follows regular dialogue between the SFA and its Local Organising Structure (LOS) partners since the decision to postpone the tournament because of the Covid-19 pandemic on March 17.
The discussions culminated in a shared commitment being issued to European football’s governing body on behalf of key stakeholders including the SFA, Scottish government, Glasgow City Council and VisitScotland.
A statement read: "The LOS has considered the full implications for the city in light of the postponement and in particular Glasgow and Hampden Park’s ability to co-host the tournament in 2021 against all other activities already confirmed for the city and the stadium at that point.
"While the logistical challenges of moving the tournament are considerable, none the less the LOS agreed that it could meet the tournament requirements."
SFA president and LOS Glasgow chairman Rod Petrie said: “LOS Glasgow is absolutely committed to providing a memorable experience for the city, the country as a whole, and to fans across Europe when the tournament takes place next year.
“We have been in regular dialogue with our colleagues at UEFA throughout the intervening period since postponement and are sympathetic to the considerable logistical challenges presented by a postponement to a tournament hosted in 12 cities across Europe.
“To that end, I would like to thank all partners involved in LOS Glasgow for their efforts in ensuring the city can fulfil the requirements to co-host UEFA EURO 2020. We will continue to liaise with UEFA as LOS Glasgow to ensure a smooth delivery plan is implemented in the 12 months leading up to the tournament.”
Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Fair Work and Culture Fiona Hyslop said: “Welcoming the UEFA European Football Championship to Glasgow in 2021 will be an important step in our economic and cultural recovery from coronavirus.
“Scotland is a global leader in hosting major events and the 2020 calendar has been devastated by the pandemic. Hosting a major international event such as the European Championship next year will help bring the country together, demonstrate that we are very much open for business and further enhance our reputation as a world class host of major events.”
Glasgow City Council depute leader David McDonald said: “Glasgow is delighted that it has been reconfirmed today as a host city for the UEFA European Championship in 2021. There has been a huge amount of work undertaken by all the LOS partners to get us to this point, driven by the passion we know our citizens have for football and the desire to welcome fans from across Europe to our fabulous city, once the current health emergency is addressed.
“We believe this is an important signal that Glasgow and Scotland is committed to being open for business once again. UEFA EURO 2020 will make a significant contribution to creating a festival atmosphere in the city centre, provide an opportunity for communities to gather and celebrate together and give a welcome boost to businesses in the city following an exceptionally difficult year.”
VisitScotland director of events Paul Bush said: “Following months of hard work by the LOS partners, today’s announcement reconfirming Glasgow as a host city for UEFA EURO 2020 is welcome news. While there is still a way to go, having the tournament confirmed for next year signals the start of recovery for Scotland’s events industry.
“Events will play a key role in Scotland’s recovery from this current health emergency by providing great entertainment for locals and visitors as well as providing employment across the sector and a strong economic lift to the businesses in the areas they are held. We look forward to welcome football fans from all over Europe to Glasgow and Scotland for UEFA EURO 2020 next June and showing why we’re the perfect stage for events.”
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