UEFA has announced the postponement of its flagship national team competition – UEFA EURO 2020 – due to be played in June and July this year.
In a statement, UEFA said: “The health of all those involved in the game is the priority, as well as to avoid placing any unnecessary pressure on national public services involved in staging matches. The move will help all domestic competitions, currently on hold due to the COVID-19 emergency, to be completed.
“All UEFA competitions and matches (including friendlies) for clubs and national teams for both men and women have been put on hold until further notice. The UEFA EURO 2020 play-off matches and international friendlies, scheduled for the end of March, will now be played in the international window at the start of June, subject to a review of the situation.”
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The BBC and ITV have announced their live match schedules for next summer’s UEFA Euro 2020 tournament which will be held across 12 countries to celebrate 60 years of the European Football Championships.
England’s opening group game will be broadcast live on the BBC, a must-see rematch against Croatia on Sunday, 14 June, who defeated Gareth Southgate’s side in the 2018 World Cup semi-final.
Wales’ first two group fixtures against Switzerland and Turkey are live on the BBC as Ryan Giggs’ squad aim to recreate the heroics of 2016 when they reached the semi-finals.
Should both teams progress through their groups, then the BBC will show their knockout games in both the Round of 16 and quarter-finals – the BBC has first choice in both rounds.
The BBC will also be showing the opening game of the tournament in Rome as Italy face Turkey on Friday, 12 June, followed by coverage of some the biggest teams in Europe, including current holders Portugal, World champions France, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands.
Scotland’s opening game and Northern Ireland’s second group game will also be live on the BBC, if they qualify.
ITV will show the two evening England group stage games, which could see the Three Lions take on Scotland at Wembley on 19 June, if they qualify as Play-off Winner C, in a re-match of the memorable Euro 96 clash.
England’s final group match against the Czech Republic on 23 June at Wembley, as well as Wales’ final group game against Italy in Rome on 21 June, will both be broadcast exclusively live on ITV.
ITV will also show standout fixtures between World Cup holders France and Germany, as well as Portugal v Germany, and much-fancied Belgium’s matches against Russia and Denmark. ITV also has first pick of the semi-finals.
Both BBC and ITV will simulcast live coverage of the final at Wembley on Sunday, 12 July.
Philip Bernie, BBC Head of TV Sport, said:
“This is a strong selection of games for the BBC, that takes in England and Wales’ opening fixtures, and the first two knock-out games that both these home countries would play.
“Away from the home nations, we’re delighted to be able to show viewers key games for some of the giants of European football. The BBC will once again be committed to delivering a 24/7 service to our audiences across TV, radio and online ensuring every key moment is unmissable.”
Niall Sloane, ITV’s Director of Sport, said:
“ITV will be bringing to viewers comprehensive live coverage of some of the biggest matches in what promises to be a special tournament.
“Euro 2020 looks set to dominate next summer with so many matches being played in Britain and Ireland and the involvement of England, Wales and hopefully more home nations.
Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland will be aiming to qualify for the UEFA Euro 2020 finals via the play-offs, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports in March.
