By David Gold
April 23 – Irish FA chief executive John Delaney has set his sights on bringing the European Super Cup to Dublin after next month’s Europa League final, being held at the city’s Aviva stadium on May 18.
Delaney received the Europa League trophy from UEFA President Michel Platini, with less than a month the finale of this season’s competition’s.
The competition is at the semi-final stage currently, with Porto facing Villarreal and Braga taking on Benfica, meaning there is a strong possibility of two Portuguese sides heading for the Irish capital.
“I think what we’d like to do is possibly a Super Cup final at some stage,” said Delaney.
“That’s now leaving Monaco in 2012 so at some to stage a Super Cup final would be something we’d like to host.”
The Stade Louis II in the principality of Monaco is the traditional venue for the game, which takes place between the winners of the Champions League and Europa League at the end of August.
But Delaney ruled out making a joint bid with Scotland for the European Championships, though he did suggest that he would be keen to host a youth tournament.
“I’ve often spoken about a joint bid for an under-21 European Championships with Northern Ireland,” said Delaney.
“I think that’s more where I’d like to take it, once May the 18th goes well and everybody’s happy.”
Platini added that he hoped hosting the Europa League final would help football progress in Ireland.
“When we were players, small players, we played on the streets but now the streets are full of cars,” he said.
“It’s our job to help the national association, who help some areas, to have small mini-pitches to help the people.”
Contact the writer of this story at zib.l1734795652labto1734795652ofdlr1734795652owedi1734795652sni@d1734795652log.d1734795652ivad1734795652.”