UEFA has announced the postponement of Euro 2020 until the summer of 2021.

A statement confirmed the delay, with the dates of June 11 to July 11, 2021 proposed, in the wake of Covid-19 taking a grip across Europe and much of the world. 

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The official announcement from European football's governing body also confirmed the Euro 2020 play-offs, due to be played later this month, will now be played during the June 2020 international break.

The 2020 Copa America will also move to 2021 to enable South American players based in Europe the opportunity to finish their respective league campaigns.

The statement did not confirm new dates for the Champions League and Europa League finals, with June 27 and June 24 having been reported.

There was also no confirmation at this stage as to whether the Women's Euro 2021 would be moved as a result of the men's tournament being postponed.

Instead the statement said decisions on dates for other UEFA competitions would be taken "in due course".

"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,” said UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin.

"It’s 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.

"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.

"It was important that, as the governing body of European football, UEFA led the process and made the biggest sacrifice.

"Moving Euro 2020 comes at a huge cost for UEFA but we will do our best to ensure that the vital funding for grassroots, women’s football and the development of the game in our 55 countries is not affected.

"Purpose over profit has been our guiding principle in taking this decision for the good of European football as a whole."

English FA CEO Mark Bullingham backed the decision, adding: "People’s health and well-being has to be the primary concern for all of us, so we fully support UEFA’s decision.

“We'll be considering the implications for all England teams and our organisation over the coming days, including any implications on the date of the 2021 women’s Euro which we are very proud to be hosting."