Uefa Proposes Multi-city Euro 2020 Comp
Michel Platini, president of UEFA, has suggested that the European Championships in 2020 could be hosted across several different cities throughout Europe rather than being staged in one or two countries.
Platini made the announcement over the weekend, as football’s European governing body attempts to solve the problem of a lack of interest in staging Euro 2020.
In May, UEFA announced details of a new bidding process for Euro 2020 after receiving little response from countries following the initial deadline for expressions of interest, which closed on 15th May.
UEFA then unveiled a new process which will allow any of its 53 member associations to submit a bid.
Turkey has long stated its intention to bid for Euro 2020, while Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland confirmed their interest in exploring a joint proposal.
Azerbaijan and Georgia are also keen on lodging a joint bid.
However, Turkey’s Euro 2020 proposal – reportedly UEFA’s most solid offer to date – represents problems on how it would tie in with Istanbul’s bid to stage the Olympic Games in the same year.
The European Championships will expand from its current 16 teams to 24 in time for France’s hosting of Euro 2016, presenting additional logistical challenges to potential host countries, and making it nearly impossible for a country with limited international stadia to host the competition.
Regardless of any potential switch in strategy, UEFA said the deadline for Euro 2020 bids is September 2013, ahead of a decision being made in May 2014.
