LONDON: The Euro 2020 soccer final between England and Italy in July was deemed a "superspreader" event due to the high level of COVID-19 infection found in or around London's Wembley Stadium on the day, according to official data released on Friday.

According to Public Health England, 2,295 people were likely to be infectious, with a further 3,404 potentially infected at the July 11 match.

"Euros final was superspreader event," declared the Times newspaper.

The match, which drew a crowd of around 67,000 inside the stadium, was England's first final in an international soccer tournament since hosting and winning the 1966 World Cup.

"Euro 2020 was a unique occasion and it is unlikely we would see a similar impact on COVID-19 cases from future events," said Jenifer Smith, Public Health England's deputy medical director, in a statement.

"However, the data does show how easily the virus can spread when there is close contact, and this should serve as a warning to all of us as we attempt to return to a cautious normalcy."

Other trial events over a four-month period revealed far fewer positive tests, which were either broadly comparable to or lower than national averages.

The British Formula One Grand Prix at Silverstone in July drew a 350,000-strong crowd, the largest in the UK in more than 18 months, over three days, with NHS Test and Trace recording 585 cases.

Of those cases, 343 were likely to have already been infectious around the time of the event and the rest were likely to have acquired an infection then.

The Wimbledon tennis championships, which drew approximately 300,000 spectators over the course of two weeks, recorded 881 cases.

"We've demonstrated that we can safely reintroduce mass sports and cultural events, but it's critical that people remain cautious when mixing in very crowded settings," said Culture Minister Oliver Dowden.

"In order to keep the football season, theatres, and gigs safe with full crowds this winter, I urge sport, music, and culture fans to get the vaccine as this is the safest way to get big events firing on all cylinders again."

Edited - SportsAction / Inputs - Agency