Merkel urges UEFA to act responsibly for London Euro matches

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen attend the virtual walkthrough of a cross-linked public health office as part of a meeting in Berlin, Germany June 22, 2021. Michael Sohn/Pool via REUTERS

German Chancellor Angela Merkel called on UEFA on Tuesday to act responsibly regarding plans to hold the final of the Euro 2020 soccer tournament in London due to safety concerns over the spread of the coronavirus in England.

"I hope that UEFA will act responsibly with regard to the Euro matches. I would not like to see packed stadiums there, and I support all efforts made by the British government to enforce the necessary hygiene measures," Merkel said.

She was speaking at a joint news conference with European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen, who said the spread of the Delta variant was worrying.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel welcomes European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Berlin, Germany, June 22, 2021. REUTERS/Michelle Tantussi

(Reporting by Paul Carrel; Writing by Madeline Chambers; Editing by Caroline Copley)