Skip to content

Scots confirm Euro 2016 bid

Image: Hampden Park could host Euro 2016

The SFA have confirmed they have held talks with Wales and Northern Ireland over co-hosting Euro 2016.

Scotland consider British bid

The Scottish Football Association have confirmed holding ''tentative'' talks with Wales and Northern Ireland over co-hosting the 2016 European Championships. Scotland's dream of staging the tournament in eight years' time appeared to have ended in September when Uefa announced they were increasing the number of finalists from 16 to 24. The country lacks the infrastructure to host an expanded tournament but the SFA are looking to link up with one of their near neighbours in the hope a joint bid will be successful. Uefa decided in September to expand the European Championship finals from 2016. Current SFA chief Gordon Smith had lobbied for the change, despite admitting it would rule his country out of bidding individually for future tournaments. However, the expansion gives Scotland a much better chance of qualifying. Meanwhile, Uefa general secretary David Taylor insists Scotland would be a "great place" to hold the tournament. Former SFA chief executive Taylor was involved in the unsuccessful bid to bring Euro 2008 to Scotland and the Republic of Ireland, but he believes Scotland would be the ideal venue to host the finals in 2016. "It would be terrific. But I must be careful here," Taylor told The Herald. "My enthusiasm for and advice to any country could be perceived in the wrong way. Many countries in UEFA are capable of hosting the tournament."

Around Sky