After another failed attempt to secure financial guarantees, the Czech Football Association withdrew the bid to host Euro 2020 in Prague. Both the government and Prague municipality refused to provide guarantees.

Despite long negotiations the Czech bid for Euro 2020 has to be scrapped. National Football Association (FAČR) considered withdrawing already in March, after the government refused to secure financial guarantees for a new Strahov stadium.

Now similar decision came from Prague. The municipality was in talks with FAČR in recent weeks, but mayor Tomáš Hudeček also refused to sign the bid and provide necessary assurance. Meanwhile UEFA’s Euro 2020 bid submission deadline passes on Friday, April 25.

Mayor Hudeček explained today that he blames the poor effort by FAČR for lack of municipal support. The municipality argues that projects not consulted with them surfaced recently, like the possible expansion of Synot Tip Arena instead of a new stadium. FAČR responded with claims that the bid was very well prepared, dismissing mayor’s accusations.