Scotland host hopes not lost

Joint bid could still see Scotland host Euro finals

By Laura Slatcher   Last updated: 11th October 2008

David Taylor of UEFA

Taylor: Scottish hope

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Scotland could still host the European Championships, but only as part of a joint bid, according to Uefa general secretary David Taylor.

The former Scottish Football Association chief executive believes last month's decision to increase the number of finalists from 16 to 24 in 2016 was in the country's best interests as it gives them more chance of qualifying.

The move, also encouraged by current SFA chief executive Gordon Smith, effectively ends Scotland's chances of staging the event on their own due to a lack of facilities.

Joint bid

Taylor insists that the change to the format should not deter Scotland from linking up with another home nation and launching a joint bid.

He also believes that the number of joint bids in the future may rise to cater for the increase in games.

"Scotland clearly couldn't do it by themselves, but there's nothing to rule out a joint bid," Taylor told the Daily Record.

"There would be less candidates to potentially act as host because we'd need more stadiums, possibly 10 rather than eight, so it is a step up in terms of organisation."