England Confirms Host Venues for Euro 2020, Rejects Germany's Proposal

The Euro 2020 football tournament is set to take place this summer and the host venues have now been confirmed, amidst controversy concerning Germany's proposed venue. In a surprise move, England has rejected Germany's proposal to host one of the Euro 2020 matches, citing logistical and political reasons. The decision has sparked debate among football fans and politicians alike.

Background of the Controversy

Germany had proposed to host one of the Euro 2020 matches in Munich. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the German Football Association (DFB) had requested that the match be played with fans, rather than in an empty stadium. This request was denied by local authorities, which prompted DFB to propose moving the match to Wembley Stadium in London. The English Football Association (FA) agreed, but UEFA, which oversees the tournament, ultimately rejected the proposal.

England's Decision

Following the rejection of Germany's proposal, the FA announced the host venues for the Euro 2020 tournament. The tournament will be held across 11 cities in 11 different countries, including London, Glasgow, and Rome. Wembley Stadium will host both semi-finals and the final match. The decision to reject Germany's proposal was met with mixed reactions.

Reactions to the Decision

Politicians in Germany have criticized England's decision to reject the proposal. Markus S?der, the Minister-President of Bavaria, stated that the decision was "disappointing and incomprehensible". German fans have also expressed their disappointment, citing the long-standing rivalry between England and Germany as a possible reason for the rejection.

However, some have defended England's decision. Simon Johnson, the chief executive of the FA, stated that the decision was based on practicality and that UEFA had been consulted before the announcement was made. He also stated that Wembley Stadium had already been scheduled to host the semi-finals and final, and that moving the match from Germany to England would have caused logistical issues.

Conclusion

The controversy surrounding Germany's proposed Euro 2020 venue has highlighted the challenges that the tournament will face due to the pandemic. While the decision to reject Germany's proposal has disappointed some, the selection of host venues across Europe has been widely praised. The tournament is set to showcase the best of European football, and fans across the continent are eagerly anticipating its start in June.