UEFA may move matches and kick-off times at future Euros

By Paul Vinnell

Image: Trouble marred opening evening of Championships in Marseille

UEFA is considering making changes to the way games are allocated to cities and the timing of kick-offs at future European Championships, in the wake of violence at Euro 2016.

It is likely the governing body will change the current protocol and allow itself to move matches and start times to minimise the risk of hooliganism.

Euro 2016 has been marred by violence, with Marseille hit by three days of fighting between England and Russia fans and local French troublemakers.

There has also been trouble in Nice, where Northern Ireland and Poland supporters were involved in fighting with local youths, and between Germany and Ukraine fans in Lille. 

Image: Police in Marseille on Saturday
Advertisement

There are fears that English and Russian supporters could clash again in the northern city of Lille later this week.

Russia play in Lille on Wednesday, and England play Wales 20 miles away in Lens on Thursday - but many English fans are staying in Lille.

Also See:

UEFA says that under the current arrangements, it had no power to move games or kick-off times, as these were all pre-arranged ahead of the draw which took place in Paris in December.

Outbrain