Euro 2020: Eight Venues Will Have Spectators Watching Games, Says UEFA

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April 9, 2021

UEFA has confirmed that eight of the 12 host cities for this summer’s Euro 2020 will have spectators attending games.

The four remaining cities – Munich, Rome, Bilbao and Dublin – have until 19 April to provide additional information on their plans before final decisions are made whether they can host matches.

The tournament, delayed a year because of the coronavirus pandemic, will take place between 11 June and 11 July.

Host associations had been asked to submit plans to accept fans by 7 April.

London, Glasgow, Dublin, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, St Petersburg, Bilbao, Munich, Budapest, Baku, Rome and Bucharest are all due to host matches.

Budapest is aiming to host spectators at full capacity, while Baku and St Petersburg have confirmed a 50% capacity, although the Russian city is hoping to increase that figure.

Hungary, Azerbaijan and Russia are the only nations that are planning exemptions from entry restrictions and requirements. Ticket holders travelling to these countries may be able to avoid entry bans or quarantine requirements.

Amsterdam, Bucharest, Copenhagen and Glasgow have confirmed a minimum capacity of between 25%-33%, although that figure could yet rise for the venues in the Netherlands, Romania and Denmark.

The Football Association expects 25% of Wembley to be full for its three group matches and one last-16 game, and is hoping to have more fans for both semi-finals and the final.

“Uefa wishes to express its appreciation to its member associations and the national and local authorities who are collaborating closely in ensuring the safe return of spectators to the stadium,” said a Uefa statement.

London, England

Wembley, with a capacity of 90,000, is set to host the final on 11 July among its seven games – along with both semi-finals, one last-16 game, and all three of England’s group games.

The British government has said up to 10,000 spectators will be permitted inside English grounds from mid-May, and unlimited numbers from 21 June.

However, English FA has told Uefa it hopes Wembley will be able to host about 20,000 fans for the group games (the number allowed for the FA Cup final in May), and many more for the knockout matches.

The FA has said it is prepared to host any additional games that cannot take place elsewhere, having already picked up extra matches originally allocated to Brussels.

Glasgow, Scotland

There were concerns that a failure to confirm fan numbers might result in Glasgow being removed as a host city, although First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said last month she remained hopeful Hampden Park would stage Euro 2020 matches this summer.

On Wednesday, the Scottish government gave approval for 12,000 supporters to attend games at Hampden in June.

That is 25% of Glasgow’s 51,000-capacity stadium, where three group games – including Scotland’s Group D fixtures against the Czech Republic and Croatia – and one last-16 game will be played.

Dublin, Republic of Ireland

The Aviva Stadium’s Euro 2020 fixtures could be in doubt

There are growing fears that Dublin may not be able to host Euro 2020 games, after the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) told Uefa it cannot provide assurances on minimum spectator numbers.

The FAI, acting on Covid-19 guidance from the Irish government, said “the matter will be kept under review”, although it previously admitted it would only remain a host venue if it could guarantee fans would be permitted at games.

Dublin’s Aviva Stadium is due to stage four games – three group games and one last-16 tie.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

At least 12,000 spectators will be able to attend matches in Amsterdam, The Royal Netherlands Football Association (KNVB) has confirmed.

The Johan Cruyff Arena, which can hold 54,000 fans, will stage three group games and one last-16 game.

“Depending on developments surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic in June, there is a chance that more fans will be allowed inside the stadium,” the KNVB said.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Denmark will allow “at least 11,000 to 12,000” fans to attend Euro 2020 matches at Copenhagen’s 38,000-capacity Parken Stadium, which is set to stage three group games and one last-16 game.

The Danish culture ministry said: “We will look at whether there can be even more spectators in the Parken if health conditions allow.

“It may be necessary to close to spectators if there is a spread of infection, so it will be unjustifiable from a health point of view to allow spectators to the matches.”

St Petersburg, Russia

Russia expects to allow fans to attend the four games it is hosting at the 68,000-capacity Krestovsky Stadium in St Petersburg, which will host a quarter-final in addition to three group games.

The Russian committee’s director Alexei Sorokin said he believed matches could be played “with the minimum of possible restrictions”.

“We already have an agreement to fill the stands to 50% capacity,” Sorokin said. “We are working to welcome foreign supporters and this has not been rejected by the authorities.”

The authorities are considering exemption from travel restrictions for the general public and participating team supporters holding valid tickets, subject to presenting proof of a recent negative Covid-19 test result.

Bilbao, Spain

Bilbao had initially said it was ready to stage Euro 2020 games at the San Mames stadium at 25% capacity (about 13,000 supporters), as long as coronavirus rates dropped to levels accepted by the regional health authorities.

However, the Spanish football federation said in a statement on Wednesday that the Basque government’s conditions were “impossible to meet” in time for the start of tournament on 11 June and it would therefore be unable to hold matches with spectators.

Munich, Germany

Germany are yet to give an indication of the number of fans that could be permitted, following a rise in coronavirus case numbers in the country.

The Allianz Arena, home to German champions Bayern Munich, has a capacity of 70,000 and is due to host three group games and a quarter-final.

Budapest, Hungary

Bayern Munich celebrate winning the Uefa Super Cup — Bayern Munich were able to celebrate their Uefa Super Cup victory in Budapest with a limited number of supporters

Budapest’s 68,000-seat Puskas Arena welcomed 15,180 fans for Bayern Munich’s Uefa Super Cup victory over Sevilla in September.

Hungary is set to host three group games and one last-16 game and could have a full stadium, subject to spectators fulfilling strict stadium entry requirements.

“We want, if the epidemiological situation allows, as many fans as possible to watch the matches in the Puskas Arena, with maximum compliance with safety and epidemiological regulations,” a Hungarian FA spokesman said.

Non-resident ticket holders traveling to Budapest will be required to present proof of negative results from two Covid-19 tests performed in the five days preceding entry into Hungary or a valid certificate of previous Covid-19 infection within six months prior to entry into the country.

Baku, Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan’s football association (AFFA) will allow the country’s Olympic Stadium in Baku, which can hold 69,000 fans, to be filled to 50% capacity for its three group games and one quarter-final.

While the Azerbaijan Grand Prix from 4-6 June will be held behind closed doors, supporters from overseas will be allowed to attend Euro 2020 matches in the country if requirements for a visa and Covid-19 mitigation are met.

Wales will play two of their Group A matches, against Switzerland and Turkey, in Baku.

Ticket-holding fans from a country playing in the matches may enter the country if they present proof of a recent negative Covid-19 test result.

Rome, Italy

The tournament is due to begin in Rome on 11 June, as Italy face Turkey at Rome’s Olympic Stadium.

According to the Italian federation (FIGC), the government “will identify the best solutions” to allow fans to attend its three group games and one quarter-final.

The FIGC say Rome will welcome spectators, though the number of fans who will be permitted has not yet been specified.

Bucharest, Romania

The Romanian Government plans to welcome 13,000 spectators at the National Arena in Bucharest.

Set to stage a senior men’s major international tournament for the first time, Romania’s 54,000-capacity stadium is to host three group games and one last-16 game.

Minister for sport Eduard Novak said: “We have the historical chance to be part of a large sporting event and to demonstrate that we can honour our obligations to the highest standards of organisation and health safety.”

Ticket holders may benefit from the exemption from quarantine if they present a recent Covid-19 test and limit their stay to less than three days.

FG registers 5.7m farmers nationwide – Nanono

By

Henry Williams

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April 9, 2021

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The Federal Government says it has registered no fewer than 5.7 million farmers nationwide in an effort to bring them closer to the government.

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Sabo Nanono, said this on Friday during a General Assembly of Farmers organised by the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in Kano.

This is contained in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Mr Hassan Musa-Fagge.

According to the Minister, the effort was to ensure that genuine farmers were brought closer to the government so that they can enjoy government support directly.

He further commended AFAN for organising the General Assembly of Farmers, urging the national leadership of the association to carry all their members along.

Nanono also called on the farmers to be more organised so that they can work together towards the development of the agricultural sector in the country.

Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje charged members of the association to redouble their efforts towards boosting economic development for national progress.

Amaechi lauds National Transport Policy, says it will unlock trade, maritime sectors

By

Henry Williams

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April 9, 2021

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The proposed national transport policy will unlock untapped potentials in the Maritime sector and the African Continental Free trade Area, AFCTA, the federal government has said.

Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi and the Minister of State, Gbemisola Saraki stated this in Abuja yesterday at the Annual Ministerial Press Briefing on Landmark Programmes, Projects and Activities of the Ministry and its Agencies in the year 2020.

According to Amaechi, the transport policy is a detailed regulatory document capable of giving Nigeria the most prominent position in the African Continental Free Trade Area.

He added that the policy, if complied with, will boost the economy and eradicate poverty. The Minister further explained that in respect to the maritime sector, the Draft Maritime Policy will gain grounds from the National Transport Policy.

Ex-militants cause mayhem in Ondo, set 17 houses ablaze

By

Henry Williams

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April 9, 2021

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Residents of Asere community in Ese-Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State have decried attacks on their communities by alleged notorious gang of ex-militants, who terrorise and destroy their properties indiscriminately.

The victims, mainly women and children, protested in the community yesterday, appealing to the government and security agencies to nip the menace in the bud.

The protesters disclosed that the last attack was allegedly carried out midnight of Saturday by a seven-man gang of ex-terrorists, who were accomplices to a popular gangster killed in Ajapa a few years ago by JTF personnel.

The residents identified the seven suspects. Speaking on the motive for the dastardly act, they disclosed that one of the attackers, who is an indigene of the riverine community, Asere, alleged that his kinsmen were the ones giving the security men information about him and his hideout.

While addressing newsmen on behalf of the community, a high chief of the community, Abby Moulous, disclosed that the attack by the gunmen left many houses and properties destroyed. He added that many of the residents were currently displaced.
Moulous recounted that one of the kingpins came to the community to burn some people’s houses.

Biden To Meet U.S. Lawmakers On Proposed $2.3Trillion Infrastructure, Jobs Plan

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Angel Gimalo

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April 9, 2021

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U.S. President Joe Biden plans to meet with a bipartisan group of U.S. House and Senate lawmakers Monday on his proposed $2.3 trillion infrastructure and jobs plan.

A spokeswoman said Senator Deb Fischer, the senior Republican on the Commerce Committee’s subcommittee that oversees surface transportation and other issues, was invited to attend the meeting.

White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said Wednesday that Biden would welcome members of both parties here when they return next week.

The White House declined to comment Friday.

Osinbajo Launches Solar Power Scheme For 100,000 Homes

By

Henry Williams

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April 9, 2021

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Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has launched the second phase of the 5-million Solar Home System (SHS) tagged, ‘Solar Power Naija’, to provide energy to 100,000 homes across the federation.

Speaking in the Jangefe community in Kazaure Emirate of Jigawa state during the programme launch on Saturday, Osinbajo said as the cost of installing and maintaining solar devices becomes cheaper, Nigeria has the opportunity to provide power for its citizens.

Osinbajo, while stating that 25 million households would benefit from the programme in the entire phases, said it is aimed to ensure that the country will stop reliance on the national grid and help to serve communities that are not served or underserved.

The programme which is part of the Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP), is implemented by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and would create over 250,000 jobs, as part of reversing the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

He added that the programme is an ambitious initiative funded by a N140 billion financing program to support private developers to provide cheap and environmentally friendly power.

The Minister of Power, Sale Mamman, at the event said the project would generate N7 billion in tax for the federal government per annum.

Nigeria FG has 13,000km of road under repair – Fashola

By

Henry Williams

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April 9, 2021

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Fashola has stated that 4,000km of roads have been repaired and the FG will add more roads to be rehabilitated.

The Federal Government has disclosed that over 13,000km of federal roads are currently under repair in its infrastructure drive, adding that 4,000km have been repaired and the FG will add more roads to be rehabilitated.

This was disclosed by the Minister of Works, Babatunde Fashola in a statement released on Friday.

Babatunde Fashola, recently stated that the Federal Government has not forgotten the ongoing Lagos-Badagry Expressway rehabilitation/reconstruction project as it is on the 2021 Sukuk funding priority list.

Prince Philip Has Died Aged 99, Buckingham Palace Announces

By

Emenike Agu

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April 9, 2021

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Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth II’s husband, has died aged 99, Buckingham Palace has announced.

A statement issued by the palace just after midday spoke of the Queen’s “deep sorrow” following his death at Windsor Castle on Friday morning.

The Duke of Edinburgh, the longest-serving royal consort in British history, was at the Queen’s side for more than her six decades of reign.

Boris Johnson said he “inspired the lives of countless young people”.

“It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen announces the death of her beloved husband,” the palace said.

“The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss.”

Speaking at Downing Street, the prime minister said that the duke had “earned the affection of generations here in the United Kingdom, across the Commonwealth, and around the world”.

Meanwhile, Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, said he “consistently put the interests of others ahead of his own and, in so doing, provided an outstanding example of Christian service”

In tribute to the duke, Westminster Abbey began tolling its tenor bell once every 60 seconds at 18:00 BST. The move will be carried out 99 times to honour each year of his life.

Earlier, the flag at Buckingham Palace was lowered to half-mast and a notice was posted on the gates to mark the duke’s death.

People placed floral tributes outside the palace, while hundreds visited Windsor Castle to pay their respects.

However, the government urged the public not to gather or leave tributes at royal residences amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The Royal Family has asked people to consider making a donation to a charity instead of leaving flowers in memory of the duke, and an online book of condolence has been launched on the official royal website for those who wish to send messages.

A message on the website of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s non-profit organisation Archewell paid tribute to the “loving memory” of the Duke of Edinburgh, saying: “Thank you for your service… you will be greatly missed.”

The BBC’s royal correspondent Nicholas Witchell said it was “a moment of sadness” for the country and “most particularly, for the Queen losing her husband of 73 years – a bigger span of years than most of us can imagine”.

He said Prince Philip had made “a huge contribution to the success of the Queen’s reign”, describing the duke as “utterly loyal in his belief in the importance of the role that the Queen was fulfilling – and in his duty to support her”.

“It was the importance of the solidity of that relationship, of their marriage, that was so crucial to the success of her reign,” he added.

Mourners stand outside Buckingham Palace after it was announced that Britain"s Prince Philip, husband of Queen Elizabeth, has died at the age of 99, in London — image captionMourners gathered outside Buckingham Palace following the announcement

A mourner brings flowers to Buckingham Palace

A bank of photographers and cameramen were lined up around the growing number of tributes at Buckingham Palace on Friday afternoon, said BBC News reporter Marie Jackson.

Rhea Varma, from Pimlico, pulled up to the gates on her bike to lay flowers and a note saying Rest in Peace Duke.

She said the news was “super sad”. To her, the duke was “the kind of stability that’s so old-fashioned it’s difficult to comprehend. He was a rock who brought integrity.”

Reaction to death of Prince Philip

Adam Wharton-Ward, 36, also arrived to leave lilies by the palace gates. He is visiting London from his home in France but was so moved by the news, he wanted to “rally round” for the Queen’s sake.

“It’s so sad. He’s been with her for 73 years. If it wasn’t for him who knows if she would have got through it,” he said.

The duke’s appeal, he added, was that he was “almost normal with his gaffes”.

“Now that normality has gone,” he said.

The prince married Princess Elizabeth in 1947, five years before she became Queen.

In March, the duke left King Edward VII’s hospital in central London after a month-long stay for treatment.

He was admitted on 16 February after feeling unwell, and later underwent a procedure for a pre-existing heart condition at another London hospital – St Bartholomew’s.

‘Quiet reflection’ in Windsor

A child holds a bouquet of flowers outside Windsor Castle

This is a town that’s seen many royal events over the years, both happy and sad.

Today, it is one of quiet reflection.

The sun has been shining down on Windsor Castle this afternoon, but the mood outside is understandably sombre.

As locals heard of the duke’s death they turned up to leave flowers outside the entrance.

One young boy, Oscar, came with his mother to lay flowers. He left a card which read: “Your Majesty, so sorry about hearing about your amazing husband.”

“It’s really sad,” another woman told us. “I just wanted him to get to 100,” she said.

The flag here hasn’t been lowered to half-mast. That’s because it’s the Royal Standard which means the Queen is in residence. It’s the one flag which remains at full mast.

It was here that the duke spent his last weeks after being discharged from hospital.

Inside the castle the Queen, now a widow, is in mourning for her husband who has always been by her side.

Prince Philip’s funeral will take place at St George’s Chapel, Windsor – but the arrangements have been amended in light of the coronavirus pandemic, the College of Arms said in a statement.

It added that the funeral will not be a state funeral, and the duke will not lie in state.

The duke will, however, lie at rest in Windsor Castle ahead of a funeral, the College of Arms said, “in line with custom and with His Royal Highness’s wishes”.

The statement said: “The funeral arrangements have been revised in view of the prevailing circumstances arising from the Covid-19 pandemic and it is regretfully requested that members of the public do not attempt to attend or participate in any of the events that make up the funeral.”

Buckingham Palace will confirm the detailed arrangements for the funeral on the Royal website, it added.

All UK government buildings have been told to fly an official flags at half-mast in tribute to the duke until 08:00 BST on the day after the funeral.

Prince Philip and the Queen had four children, eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Their first son, the Prince of Wales, Prince Charles, was born in 1948, followed by his sister, the Princess Royal, Princess Anne, in 1950, the Duke of York, Prince Andrew, in 1960 and the Earl of Wessex, Prince Edward, in 1964.

Prince Philip was born on the Greek island of Corfu on 10 June 1921.

His father was Prince Andrew of Greece and Denmark, a younger son of King George I of the Hellenes.

His mother, Princess Alice, was a daughter of Prince Louis of Battenberg and a great-granddaughter of Queen Victoria.

To mark their Diamond Wedding Anniversary on 20 November 2007, the Queen and Prince Philip re-visit Broadlands where 60 years ago in November 1947 they spent their wedding night — image captionThe Duke of Edinburgh and the Queen celebrated their Diamond Wedding Anniversary on 20 November 2007

Politicians across the UK were united in mourning following the announcement of the duke’s death.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said the UK had “lost an extraordinary public servant”, while Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said his “long contribution to public life in Scotland will leave a profound mark on its people”.

Wales’ First Minister Mark Drakeford said the duke “served the crown with selfless devotion and generosity of spirit”.

Parliament will honour the duke on Monday, with the House of Commons sitting at 14:30 BST for tributes following his death.

Parties have also suspended their campaigning elections on 6 May, which will see voters head to the polls for council and mayoral positions in England, the Scottish Parliament and Welsh Parliament.

Meanwhile, Commonwealth leaders led international reaction to the duke’s death.

Australian prime minister Scott Morrison tweeted that the duke “embodied a generation that we will never see again”, while Canada’s prime minister Justin Trudeau described Philip as a “man of great purpose and conviction”.

And Indian prime minister Narendra Modi recalled the duke for his “distinguished career in the military” and work “at the forefront of many community service initiatives”.

US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden joined other world leaders in sending their “deepest condolences” to the Queen, the Royal Family and the people of the UK.

In a statement, they said the duke “gladly dedicated himself to the people of the UK, the Commonwealth, and to his family”.

“His legacy will live on, not only through his family, but in all the charitable endeavours he shipped,” it said.

The palace said further announcements would be made “in due course”.

Trump Organization bolsters legal team amid New York probe

By

Henry Williams

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April 9, 2021

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200125122142-01-trump-team-0125-full-169 — President Donald Trump???s personal attorney Jay Sekulow, center, stands with his son, Jordan Sekulow, left, and White House Counsel Pat Cipollone, while arriving at the Capitol in Washington during the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, Saturday, Jan. 25, 2020. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

The Trump Organization has hired a veteran criminal defense attorney to bolster its legal team, a lawyer confirmed Friday, as New York prosecutors advance their probe into former president Donald Trump’s business dealings.

The organization — the holding company of hundreds of Trump entities ranging from hotels to golf courses — retained 84-year-old Ronald Fischetti, lawyer Alan Futerfas told AFP.

Vance’s investigation initially focused on hush payments made to two women who allege they had affairs with Trump but has expanded to allegations of tax evasion, and insurance and bank fraud.

The investigation is being carried out behind closed doors in front of a grand jury. It is unclear if it will lead to an indictment, which would constitute the first against a former president in US history.

But the probe appears to be progressing after Vance’s team received eight years of Trump’s tax returns last month following a marathon legal battle that went to the Supreme Court.

According to several US media, prosecutors are trying to pressure the Trump Organization’s long-time chief financial officer, 73-year-old Allen Weisselberg, to cooperate with their investigation.

If Trump, who now lives in Florida, were indicted and found guilty he could face jail time. Lawyers say that is unlikely though with any legal battle expected to last for years.

Russia To Support North And South Korea Dialogue, U.S.-North Korea Relations

By

Angel Gimalo

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April 9, 2021

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Russia is ready to support talks between the two Koreas as well as U.S.-North Korea dialogue.

According to Russian news agency TASS, the director of the First Asian Department at Russia’s Foreign Ministry made those remarks at a round table on a strategy to strengthen Russia-North Korea relations at the North Korean embassy.

He noted the only way to settle the problem is through political and diplomatic means.

The panels also issued a joint statement in support of bringing Russia-North Korea relations to a more strategic level of cooperation.