By Andrew Warshaw
September 20 – UEFA President Michel Platini has reiterated his call for the 2020 European Championship finals to be held throughout Europe instead of in one or two countries.
Platini (pictured) believes that in the current economic climate it would benefit the entire continent for the finals to spread around.
With the tournament expanding to 24 teams in 2016 – when France hosts – few countries have the wherewithal to cope.
With Turkey, the original 2020 favourites, now distracted by Istanbul’s 2020 Olympic and Paralympic bid, Platini believes his idea is the best solution.
“We will be discussing the matter with the national associations,” said Platini.
“Before the end of the year, a decision will be made.
“I would prefer the Euros be played in 12 or 13 countries with the semi-finals and final in one place.
“The others would be assigned four matches each.”
Germany’s top UEFA official, Theo Zwanziger (pictured above), former boss of the German Football Association (DFB), has thrown his support behind the idea already.
“I don’t believe it should be dismissed out of hand,” he said.
“It’s a very interesting concept.
“Individual countries must make enormous financial efforts.
“The expansion to 24 teams is even more difficult because the host needs 12 stadia.”
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