THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION of Ireland have today confirmed that they will make a bid to host games in the 2020 European Championships.
UEFA chief has plans to spread the tournament across the continent, with several cities to be chosen.
FAI chief John Delaney was speaking today at the Association’s AGM in Wicklow when he indicated the proposal would be financially viable in seven years’ time, according to RTÉ Sport.
The FAI have cancelled a press conference which was scheduled for today.
Meanwhile, the German football federation president Woflgang Niersbach says Germany are considering a bid to host the European Championships in 2024.
In an interview published today, Niersbach told Suddeutsche Zeitung newspaper that Germany would consider bidding for the tournament if they are not chosen to host the final phase — the semi-finals and final — of the Europe-wide 2020 competition.
“If we look at the European map, we can say with assurance — and not arrogance — that we have the ability to organise such a complex tournament,” he said.
However, any such bid would be dependent on Germany’s level of participation in the hosting of the 2020 tournament, which will take place across 13 countries.
“UEFA will announce the 13 host cities in September 2014…Thereafter we will be able to decide what to do,” added Niersbach. “Should we relinquish our plan to host the semi-finals and final (in 2020) in order to host the whole tournament in 2024?”
Germany last hosted a tournament at the 2006 World Cup but have not hosted a Euros since 1988… and that one went quite well.
-additional reporting AFP
