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Europe is gearing up to enjoy one of its most eagerly awaited football tournaments in years, as it attempts to shrug off the impact of the pandemic on organised sports.

But the countries where the delayed Euro 2020 matches will be played vary significantly in terms of how badly hit they currently are by the virus.

And the cities that are hosting the group and knockout ties vary even more.

In all, 10 countries will play host to spectators, with football being played at 11 stadiums and arenas. In the United Kingdom, the both England’s national stadium, Wembley, and Scotland’s – Hampden Park – will be used.

Thousands of fans will still gather in stadiums, with many more expected to mix at meeting points in city centres. So far, two Spanish players, two Swedes and several Czechs have been among those testing positive before the European Championships have even begun.

The cities where matches will take place will be: Amsterdam, Baku, Bucharest, Budapest, Copenhagen, Glasgow, London, Munich, Rome, St Petersburg and Seville.

Dublin and Bilbao were previously proposed as venues but UEFA’s Executive Committee met in late April and decided that, largely because of COVID rates, fans would have difficulties attending matches.

In any event, fans from across the continent will face all kinds of obstacles attending the matches in the remaining venues.

The capacities at most of the grounds are being cut to allow social distancing to take place, substantially reducing the number of seats available.

Below are some of the restrictions and problems anyone who wants to attend matches at the 11 grounds will face.

Much of what is listed for stadiums outside the UK is based the latest information received by UEFA from the local authorities and is constantly evolving and changing so should be checked against local government requirements:

Wembley, London

Three group matches, two last-16, two semi-finals and the final

Wembley Stadium, London
Image:
Wembley Stadium, London

Wembley has been the beneficiary of deteriorating COVID situations in other European countries, gaining several matches that were due to be played elsewhere.

But overseas fans wanting to come to London face all kinds of hurdles until the restrictions are finally relaxed.

Anyone from outside the Common Travel Area of the UK and Ireland must have a negative test in the 72 hours before arrival (assuming they are not a non-UK/Irish resident coming from a red list country, from where travel is banned) and then quarantine on arrival according to government requirements, having filled in a passenger locator form.

Everyone based in the UK going to the stadium, for the group matches at least, must have had an NHS test and trace approved negative lateral flow test or have proof of full vaccination using the government’s app.

Ticket holders based elsewhere must also have evidence of a negative lateral flow test.

Numerous other regulations will be in place for people able to enter the ground.

Hampden Park, Glasgow

Three group matches, one last-16

Hampden Park, Glasgow
Image:
Hampden Park, Glasgow

The rules for getting to Scotland from abroad are similar to those when arriving in England, with quarantine rules also in place for people coming from amber countries and there are specific restrictions on people coming from parts of northwest England and the Republic of Ireland.

Unlike in Wembley, fans attending matches at Hampden Park will not need proof of a negative COVID test to gain entry, but the Scottish government has said the policy will be reviewed if the situation changes.

Johan Cruyff Arena, Amsterdam

Three group matches, one last-16

Anyone wanting to go to Ajax’s home ground will first have to check if they are allowed into the Netherlands.

The UK is not currently considered a “safe” country so a ban on entry applies, assuming someone is not a national of an EU country.

People from EU countries and selected other ‘exempt’ countries can still visit but the rules are complex and should be checked with the Dutch authorities.

Before going to the stadium, fans must have passed a free, bookable COVID test and then follow a number of other rules.

Olympic Stadium, Baku

Three group matches, one quarter final

The Olympic Stadium in Baku
Image:
The Olympic Stadium in Baku

To go to Azerbaijan, only people from Turkey, Switzerland, the UK and any relevant quarter-finalist country will be able to obtain a visa on arrival if they have a valid match ticket.

From 10 June, people from Russia and Turkey will be able to visit only if they have either passed a verified PCR COVID test or have proof of full vaccination.

Everyone else cannot enter the country to watch a match but, like Netherlands and all the countries on this list other than the home nations, Azerbaijan is on the UK’s amber list, meaning anyone visiting would be going against government advice and would have to quarantine on return.

Currently, a COVID-19 test will not be required for stadium entry in Baku.

National Stadium, Bucharest

Three group matches, one last-16

The UK is currently on Romania’s red list, which means that anyone wanting to go to the country, as well as following any appropriate immigration procedures, must provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or show evidence of immunity or provide a negative PCR test result and leave within 72 hours.

Several EU countries are on Romania’s amber and green lists, so visitors from those places will have to follow other rules.

All ticket holders attending group stage matches at the stadium must get a COVID-19 wristband before heading there, which requires a range of testing options.

Puskas Arena, Budapest

Three group matches, one last-16

The Puskas Arena in Budapest
Image:
The Puskas Arena in Budapest

At first glance, the Puskas Arena might look like a good option to see some high quality football, as the authorities have said they are allowing all of the seats to be occupied, making it the only venue that will be full to capacity.

But, while visitors to the ground might be able to lay their hands on a valid COVID test result – which is required to get the wristband necessary to enter the stadium – providing evidence of full UK vaccination – which is the other way to get one – is unlikely to be sufficient as the UK does not yet have a reciprocal arrangement with Hungary.

The above requirements are also necessary to enter Hungary.

Parken Stadium, Copenhagen

Three group matches, one last-16

People from the UK cannot currently enter Denmark unless they have a “worthy purpose for entry”, such as work, business or studies. Different rules are in place for people who live part or all of the time in the EU.

Anyone who makes it to the ground, will need to show a valid negative test result, proof of immunity or proof of full vaccination.

Football Arena, Munich

Three group matches, one quarter-final

The Football Arena Munich is also known as Bayern Munich's homeground of the Allianz Stadium
Image:
The Football Arena Munich is also known as Bayern Munich’s homeground of the Allianz Stadium

Germany has designated the UK an area where virus variants of concern exist and, therefore, travel is pretty much banned unless someone is German or has an exceptional excuse.

Those who do arrive from the UK are subject to a two-week quarantine.

Anyone who makes it to the stadium needs to show their valid ID and wear an FFP-2 face mask as well as carrying their ticket.

Olimpico Stadium, Rome

Three group matches, one quarter-final

Since 7 April, entry to Italy from the UK has no longer been restricted to Italian residents but measures continue to apply.

There is a requirement to present a negative test result or quarantine on arrival.

To enter the stadium, any ticket holders who are not Italian must provide a negative COVID-19 molecular or antigen test result that is not older than 48 hours at the time of kick-off (in Italian or English, in printed or electronic form).

Saint Petersburg Stadium, St Petersburg

Six group matches, one quarter-final

The Saint Petersburg Stadium
Image:
The Saint Petersburg Stadium

In April, the Russian government said nationals of various countries including the UK could now travel to Russia so long as they had the appropriate documents.

Normally a visa is required by UK citizens to enter Russia, but a travel exemption has been created and will be in place for all UEFA EURO 2020 games in Saint Petersburg. It will allow travelling fans from other nations with matchday tickets to enter Russia without a visa but with some additional necessary documents.

A FAN ID is required, along with proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test dated no earlier than three calendar days before arriving and those on international flights to Russia need a COVID-19 pre-travel screening form.

Stadium La Cartuja, Seville

Three group matches, one last-16

Spain is yet to set specific requirements for fans travelling to watch the football but generally UK residents are allowed to enter the amber-listed country subject to various requirements.

All passengers entering Spain are still required to complete a health control form before they travel and have to undergo various checks when they arrive.

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Migrants locked up in notorious El Salvador jail released in Venezuela-US prisoner swap

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Migrants locked up in notorious El Salvador jail released in Venezuela-US prisoner swap

On Friday, Paola Paiva waited in a hotel near Caracas airport, nervous but giddy with excitement to be reunited with her brother, finally.

For five months, Arturo Suarez has been detained in a notorious prison in El Salvador.

“I am going to wait for my brother to call me,” she told Sky News, “and after giving him a hug, I want to just listen to him, listen to his voice. Let him talk and tell us his story.”

Suarez was one of the more than 250 Venezuelan migrants who had been living in America but were arrested in immigration raids by the Trump administration and sent to El Salvador, a showpiece act in the president’s promise to deport millions of migrants.

Paola Paiva holds a vigil for brother Arturo Suarez. Pic: Reuters
Image:
Paola Paiva holds a vigil for brother Arturo Suarez. Pic: Reuters

Most of the men had never even been to El Salvador before. Their detention has been controversial because the White House claims the men are all part of the dangerous Tren de Aragua gang but has provided little evidence to support this assertion.

The only evidence Paola had that Suarez was still alive was a picture of him published on a news website showing the inside of the maximum security CECOT jail.

He is one of dozens of men with their hands and feet cuffed, heads shaved and bodies shackled together.

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Now he is returning to his home country, one of the bargaining chips in a deal that saw the release of ten Americans and US permanent residents who had been seized by the Venezuelan authorities.

Venezuelans arrive back in home country after being detained in El Salvador
Image:
Venezuelans arrive back in home country after being detained in El Salvador

Paola had tried to go to the airport to greet her brother as he disembarked a charter plane bringing the men back from El Salvador but authorities told her to wait at a nearby hotel.

“They told us they are taking them all to a hotel to rest,” she said.

“But I managed to get someone to give my phone number on a piece of paper to my brother, so I am expecting his call tomorrow, as soon as he can access a phone.

“We heard they are going to perform some medical exams on them and check their criminal records,” she added. “I’m not afraid; I’m not worried since my brother has a clean record.

“I am so happy. I knew this day would happen, and that it would be unexpected, that no one was going to notify us. I knew it was going to be a total surprise.”

US citizens released from Venezuela. Pic: Reuters
Image:
US citizens released from Venezuela. Pic: Reuters

The Trump administration had paid the El Salvador government, led by President Nayib Bukele, millions of dollars to imprison the men.

Homeland security secretary Kristi Noem visited CECOT last month, posing in front of prisoners for a photo opportunity.

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But Cristosal, an international human rights group based in El Salvador, says it has “documented systematic physical beatings, torture, intentional denial of access to food, water, clothing, health care,” inside the prison.

A video which was seemingly filmed aboard the charter flight bringing the Venezuelan migrants back to Caracas shows Arturo briefly talking about his experience inside.

He looks physically well but speaks into the camera and says: “We were four months with no communication, no phone calls, kidnapped, we didn’t know what (the) day was, not even the time.

“We were beat up at breakfast, lunch and dinner,” he continues.

Sky News interviewed Arturo Suarez‘s brother Nelson near his home in the US in April, weeks after Arturo – an aspiring singer – had been arrested by immigration and customs enforcement (ICE) agents while filming a music video inside a house.

Nelson said he believed Arturo’s only crime was “being Venezuelan and having tattoos.” He showed me documents that indicate Arturo has no criminal record in Venezuela, Chile, Colombia or the United States, the four countries he has lived in.

Now Nelson is delighted Arturo is being released – but worries for his future.

“The only thing that casts a shadow in such a moment of joy is that bit of anger when I think that all the governments involved are going to use my brother’s story, and the others on that flight, as political gain,” he said.

“Each of them will tell a different story, making themselves the heroes, when the reality is that many innocent people suffered unfairly and unnecessarily, and many families will remain separated after this incident due to politics, immigration and fear.”

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Ha Long Bay: At least 34 dead after tourist boat capsizes in Vietnam

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Ha Long Bay: At least 34 dead after tourist boat capsizes in Vietnam

At least 34 people have died after a tourist boat capsized in Vietnam, according to state media reports.

The Wonder Sea boat was reportedly carrying 53 people, including five crew members, when it capsized due to strong winds in Ha Long Bay on Saturday.

It happened at roughly 2pm local time (7am GMT). Rescue teams have found 11 survivors and recovered 34 bodies, eight of them children, the state-run Vietnam News Agency said, citing local authorities.

People on a capsized tourist boat being rescued in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam. Pic: QDND via AP
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Rescuer in Ha Long Bay are searching for survivors. Pic: QDND via AP

The People’s Army Newspaper, which cited local border guards, said authorities have not yet confirmed details about the tourists, including their nationalities, as the rescue operation continues.

Most of the passengers were tourists, including about 20 children, from the country’s capital city, Hanoi, the newspaper said.

The incident comes shortly after the arrival of Storm Wipha in the South China Sea, bringing strong winds, heavy rain and lightning to the area.

A body being carried on stretcher after a tourist boat capsized in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam. Pic: QDND via AP
Image:
A body being carried on stretcher after a tourist boat capsized in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam. Pic: QDND via AP

The named storm is the third typhoon to hit the South China Sea this year, and is expected to make landfall along the northern coast of Vietnam early next week.

More on Vietnam

Disruptions linked to the storm have also had an impact on air travel, according to Noi Bai Airport.

The airport reported that nine incoming flights were diverted to other airports, while three outgoing flights were temporarily grounded due to adverse weather conditions.

Tourist boats cruise in Halong Bay. File pic: Reuters
Image:
Tourist boats cruise in Halong Bay. File pic: Reuters

The winds brought by Storm Wipha reached up to 63mph (101kmph) and gusts of up to 68mph (126kmph) as it passed south of Taiwan on Saturday, according to the island’s Central News Agency.

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Ha Long Bay is around 125mi (200km) north east of Hanoi and attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year.

Of those who visit Ha Long Bay, many choose to take overnight boat tours to further explore the area.

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Gaza: More than 30 people killed ‘as Israeli troops open fire towards Palestinians waiting for aid’

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Gaza: More than 30 people killed 'as Israeli troops open fire towards Palestinians waiting for aid'

More than 30 people have been killed after Israeli troops opened fire towards crowds of Palestinians waiting for aid, according to witnesses and hospital officials.

The deaths occurred near distribution hubs operated by the US-Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which began distributing food packages in Gaza at the end of May, after Israel eased its 11-week blockade of aid into the territory.

At least 32 people were killed on Saturday, according to the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry, while a further 100 people were injured, according to local reports.

Most of the deaths came as Palestinians massed in the Teina area, around 3km (2 miles) away from a GHF aid distribution centre east of the city of Khan Younis.

More than 3o killed near aid distribution centres. Pic:Mariam Dagga/AP
Image:
More than 30 people killed near aid distribution centres. Pic: Mariam Dagga/AP

Mahmoud Mokeimar said he was walking with crowds of people – mostly young men – towards the food hub when troops fired warning shots as the crowd advanced, before opening fire towards the marching people.

“It was a massacre… the occupation opened fire at us indiscriminately,” he said.

Injured Palestinians are brought to Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. Pic: Mariam Dagga/AP
Image:
Injured Palestinians are brought to Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. Pic: Mariam Dagga/AP

Akram Aker said troops fired machine guns mounted on tanks and drones.

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“They encircled us and started firing directly at us,” he said.

The Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis said it received 25 bodies, along with dozens of wounded.

Seven other people, including one woman, were killed in the Shakoush area, hundreds of yards north of another GHF hub in Gaza’s southernmost city of Rafah, the hospital said.

The army and GHF did not immediately comment on Saturday’s violence.

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The GFH, which has four distribution centres, three of which are in the southern Gaza Strip, says it has distributed millions of meals to hungry Palestinians.

But local health officials and witnesses say hundreds of people have been killed by Israeli army fire as they try to reach the distribution hubs.

The GHF, which employs private armed guards, says there have been no deadly shootings at its sites, though this week, 20 people were killed at one of its locations, most of them in a stampede.

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The group accused Hamas agitators of causing a panic, but gave no evidence to back the claim.

The army, which is not at the sites but secures them from a distance, says it only fires warning shots if crowds get too close to its forces.

The 21-month war in Gaza was triggered when Hamas militants stormed into southern Israel on 7 October 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking 250 others hostage.

An Israeli military offensive has killed more than 58,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza health ministry, while Gaza’s more than two million Palestinians are living through a catastrophic humanitarian crisis.

Israel and Hamas have been holding ceasefire talks in Qatar in recent weeks, but international mediators say there have been no breakthroughs.

US President Donald Trump said another 10 hostages will be released from Gaza shortly, without providing details.

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