NICOLA Sturgeon has moved to allay fears Hampden Park could be stripped of its Euro 2020 hosting status amid reported concern from UEFA.
The First Minister insists "nobody wants to lose" the four games Glasgow is due to stage for the continental tournament in the summer.
The European governing body is said to be growing increasingly concerned over Holyrood's lack of enthusiasm when it comes to admitting fans during the Covid-19 pandemic.
READ MORE: Glasgow's Hampden Park 'at risk' of losing Euro 2020 games
As we reported yesterday, with fewer than 100 days to go before the delayed competition kicks off, UEFA has asked each host city – there are 12 in total – to submit their plans by April 7.
Speaking during her daily briefing, Ms Sturgeon said: "Nobody wants to lose the Euros and I don’t think we should be in the position right now of thinking that is the case.
“There is a deadline that all countries have to give an indication to UEFA what they think will be possible in terms of fan attendance and fan zones.
“All countries are grappling with this not just Scotland, and as Jason [Leitch] has just said in relation to international travel, we are standing here on March 5 and while we are really hopeful, and I think you are getting signs of a lot of optimism from us today, looking too far ahead is just difficult to do, but let me be clear we are absolutely intent on having Hampden as a host stadium for the Euros.
“We’ve always been keen on it and now more so that Scotland we would welcome the opportunity to see Scotland play there as well."
She added: "We haven't waited so long to see Scotland play in a major tournament to not do absolutely everything we can to ensure there are going to be fans there to cheer the team on."
Yesterday, a Scottish Football Association spokesman said: "We remain in constant dialogue with UEFA and Scottish Government regarding the co-hosting of the tournament in Scotland, given the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"We will continue these discussions to ensure as many fans as possible can enjoy the four matches at Hampden Park."
A Glasgow Life spokeswoman said: “We are continuing to work closely with UEFA and all the partners to review plans for co-hosting the tournament in Glasgow in the light of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
"We are in ongoing discussions with the Scottish Government to consider a range of planning scenarios and ensure as many fans as possible can attend the matches at Hampden Park, whilst maintaining the safety of all involved.”
UEFA has not responded to the latest reports but in January reaffirmed its commitment to sticking to the 12 city format, which is due to kick off in Rome, Italy.
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