Scotland Ready To Take On Euro 2012
Scotland could emerge as a surprise host of the UEFA European Championships in 2012 as doubts emerge over the preparations in place for existing hosts Poland and Ukraine.
UEFA has expressed concern about the suitability of stadiums and infrastructure in Poland and Ukraine and an inspection is planned this summer.
SFA chief executive Gordon Smith stated: ‘We have made it clear that we’d like to be considered if it’s not going ahead in Ukraine and Poland. With the event likely to expand after 2012 it would be our last chance.’
Scotland and the Republic of Ireland failed with a joint bid for Euro 2008, which gets underway in Switzerland and Austria at the weekend.
But Smith revealed that he had held discussions with UEFA president Michel Platini about hosting future tournaments.
‘I asked if the size of the competition was increasing from 16 teams. And, given that it probably would after 2012, we would not be able to stage a European Championship if that was the case. But Platini said there might be an opportunity, you never know.
‘There is an inspection on Ukraine and Poland’s facilities in June or July and if they don’t match up they may have to take the tournament elsewhere. I said was that we’d like to be considered if that situation arose. We haven’t been told we are on standby or anything like that.’
Hampden Park, Ibrox, Celtic Park and Murrayfield, the home of Scottish rugby, all meet international standards but another four stadiums would have to be constructed or upgraded in order for Scotland to succeed with any bid.
