This summer’s European Championships have been postponed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, Uefa have confirmed.
The tournament, which was due to be held between June 11 and July 12 in 12 host nations across Europe, is now scheduled to take place next summer.
Wales were one of 20 teams to qualify for the competition, with the four remaining places to be decided via the playoffs.
Ryan Giggs’ side were set to take on Italy, Turkey and Switzerland in Group A.
Confirming the decision, Uefa President Aleksander Čeferin, said: “We are at the helm of a sport that vast numbers of people live and breathe that has been laid low by this invisible and fast-moving opponent.
“It is at times like these, that the football community needs to show responsibility, unity, solidarity and altruism.
“The health of fans, staff and players has to be our number one priority and in that spirit, UEFA tabled a range of options so that competitions can finish this season safely and I am proud of the response of my colleagues across European football.
“There was a real spirit of co-operation, with everyone recognising that they had to sacrifice something in order to achieve the best result.”
The statement says the proposed new dates are 11 June – 11 July 2021.
The Red Dragons sealed their place at a second consecutive Championships with a 2-0 victory against Hungary at the Cardiff City Stadium in November.
Midfielder Aaron Ramsey – appearing in his first game in qualifying – netted both goals as Wales recovered from a slow start to the campaign to join Croatia in qualifying from Group E.
The Football Association of Wales confirmed in a statement they fully support Uefa’s decision to postpone the Championships by 12 months.
It is expected the Nations League – where Wales are in Group B4 alongside Finland, Republic of Ireland and Bulgaria – as well as the European Under-21 Championships, will also be moved to next summer.
European football’s governing body also confirmed “Decisions on dates for other UEFA competitions, whether club or national team for men or women, will be taken and announced in due course.”
Leave a Reply