Bosnia to allow up to 2,000 fans at Euro playoffs, Nations League

Bosnia will host Northern Ireland in Sarajevo next Thursday and will also be at home to the Netherlands on October 11 in its Nations League Group A match.

Published : Oct 02, 2020 22:14 IST , SARAJEVO

File picture of Bosnia fans watching the Euro 2020 Qualifier Group J fixture between Italy and Bosnia and Herzegovina in Turin on June 11, 2019.
File picture of Bosnia fans watching the Euro 2020 Qualifier Group J fixture between Italy and Bosnia and Herzegovina in Turin on June 11, 2019.
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File picture of Bosnia fans watching the Euro 2020 Qualifier Group J fixture between Italy and Bosnia and Herzegovina in Turin on June 11, 2019.

Bosnia will allow up to 2,000 fans to attend its upcoming home games against Northern Ireland in the Euro 2020 playoffs and the Netherlands in the Nations League, the Balkan country's FA (NSFS BIH) said on Friday.

“In line with the UEFA executive board's decision to allow a partial return of fans to stadiums, the NSFS BIH will allow fan presence against Northern Ireland on Oct. 8 and the Netherlands three days later.

“The decision, made after consultations with the country's federal health ministry, will be implemented in full compliance with UEFA's health standards.”

READ: Napoli squad clear of COVID-19 after facing Genoa

Bosnia will host Northern Ireland in Sarajevo next Thursday, with the winner going through to a playoff final where a berth in next year's European championship will be up for grabs.

Bosnia will also be at home to the Netherlands in Zenica on October 11 in its Nations League top-tier Group A match.

UEFA on Thursday gave the green light for fans to occupy up to 30% percent of stadium capacity at European competition matches where local authorities allow.

Spectators have been banned from all UEFA matches since March because of the COVID-19 pandemic, except at the Super Cup match played in Budapest on Sept. 24. which was used as a pilot for their return.

READ: European football review: Controversies and early upsets

Euro 2020, originally scheduled from June 12 to July 12 this year, was pushed back due the pandemic and is now to be staged from June 11 to July 11 next year. The winners of the Bosnia versus Northern Ireland match will be at home to the winners of Slovakia v Ireland on November 12 for a spot in the 24-nation tournament.

Bosnia is hoping to reach its first European Championship as an independent nation.

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