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Topic: Euro 2020: Ireland, Scotland and Wales eye joint bid as hosts
cityoftribes
(3,030 Posts)
Posted: 15-May-2012 13:15
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Euro 2020: Ireland, Scotland and Wales eye joint bid as hosts

Scotland Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland have formally declared an interest hosting Euro 2020.

The countries have told Uefa that they would be interested in bidding to host the European Championships on a three-way basis.

So far, Turkey are the only other nation to inform Uefa that they want to host the tournament.

Uefa has received a written expression of interest from the Celtic countries.

The news comes ahead of the Tuesday midnight deadline for any other declarations of interest and it appears that it is Uefa itself that encouraged the joint bid.

But the Celtic nations have a major hurdle to overcome as the tournament has been expanded from 16 teams to 24 from 2016 onwards.

The tournament's demands would mean the three nations might struggle to provide the required number of stadia with sufficient capacity.

Scotland and Wales considered a joint bid for the 2016 championship - which will be played in France - before deciding not to go ahead, while a joint bid for Euro 2008 by the Scots and the Irish failed.

While the Football Association of Wales and Uefa have refused to comment, an SFA spokesman said that it has also been in dialogue with the Welsh FA about the 2020 event.

However, he stressed that it was awaiting more details before the midnight deadline for "expressions of interest".

A formal declaration of interest does not commit the Celtic countries to proceeding with a bid as a decision is not due to be taken by Uefa for 18 months.

SFA chief executive Stewart Regan is reported as having told the website www.insidethegames.biz: "I'm not able to comment publicly at this stage because it has not gone to our board, but there will be an exchange of correspondence before the deadline.

"It's obviously something that has been discussed."

Asked if Scotland and Wales would be able to meet Uefa's criteria for stadia, Regan replied: "There are other ways of skinning a cat and alternative ways of being considered for a major tournament."

Turkey's bid is in some disarray already because its FA has been engulfed by allegations of corruption and match-fixing in domestic football, while it also conflicts with Istanbul's bid to land the Olympics in the same year.

Uefa president Michel Platini has indicated his support for Turkey's bid - but only if Istanbul fails to land the 2020 Olympics.

That appears to have encouraged the potential Welsh and Scottish bidders and an SFA source said: "Discussions have taken place about bidding, but we would not be able to bid alone.

"It may need to be three countries involved."

This message has been edited - 15-may-2012 @ 13:17
frasiercrane
(1,843 Posts)
Posted: 15-May-2012 13:20
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I presume Ireland would only be providing 2 stadia.The government dont need (cant afford) to spend more money on upgrading or building new stadia
cityoftribes
(3,030 Posts)
Posted: 15-May-2012 13:24
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Originally posted by frasiercrane:
I presume Ireland would only be providing 2 stadia.The government dont need (cant afford) to spend more money on upgrading or building new stadia

That's what I was wondering. The 'Bertiebowl' is the first thing I thought of when I read this. But here is no chance of a new stadium.

Given that the tournament would be run in June/July, would Croker open their doors to the FAI for it?
This message has been edited - 15-may-2012 @ 13:24
frasiercrane
(1,843 Posts)
Posted: 15-May-2012 13:25
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Originally posted by cityoftribes:
That's what I was wondering. The 'Bertiebowl' is the first thing I thought of when I read this. But here is no chance of a new stadium.Given that the tournament would be run in June/July, would Croker open their doors to the FAI for it?

Thomond Park might be an option.But again that would need an upgrade and would Munster/IRFU be willing to pay for it.
theface2010
(3,490 Posts)
Posted: 15-May-2012 13:25
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If this were to go ahead, would that mean that the 3 countries would qualify automatically? Can't see UEFA agreeing to that although they are increasing the numbers from 16 to 24 for the next Euros.
stones_off
(2,815 Posts)
Posted: 15-May-2012 13:30
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Originally posted by theface2010:
If this were to go ahead, would that mean that the 3 countries would qualify automatically? Can't see UEFA agreeing to that although they are increasing the numbers from 16 to 24 for the next Euros.

Does seem a bit ridiculous alright.

Although this is the only way Wales will ever qualify for anything.
N16
(1,724 Posts)
Posted: 15-May-2012 13:47
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Few interersting points. First of alll if a bid from the 3 countries was accepted, then yeah, all 3 wouild have to qualify automatically as hosts. The format is currently 16 teams and this time round 2 teams have qualified as hosts - it will be 24 teams in 2020 so no reason why 3 teams cost host it and qualify. Its not as if its the WC or anything like that.
My questions would be around what grounds would be used. As Northern ireland are their own seperate footballing body and compete internationally, then no ground in the 6 counties could be used.
EUFA demand that 10 stadia be put forward - so that would mean at least 3 in each country. Because the way the groups would be set up, would not all 3 stadia in ireland have to be in different cities or towns? So what cities / stadia would be used?
1. Aviva Stadium
2. Limerick or Galway - Thomond Park perhaps?
3. Cork - where?
Thurles would not be released as it would coincide with the Munster Championship and most of the games are played there.
Croke Park is too near the Aviva.
The rugby would be over and the pitch the correct dimensions for soccer so Thomond Park would be a very viable option.
Sledgehammer
(459 Posts)
Posted: 15-May-2012 13:53
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Originally posted by N16:
Few interersting points. First of alll if a bid from the 3 countries was accepted, then yeah, all 3 wouild have to qualify automatically as hosts. The format is currently 16 teams and this time round 2 teams have qualified as hosts - it will be 24 teams in 2020 so no reason why 3 teams cost host it and qualify. Its not as if its the WC or anything like that.
My questions would be around what grounds would be used. As Northern ireland are their own seperate footballing body and compete internationally, then no ground in the 6 counties could be used.
EUFA demand that 10 stadia be put forward - so that would mean at least 3 in each country. Because the way the groups would be set up, would not all 3 stadia in ireland have to be in different cities or towns? So what cities / stadia would be used?
1. Aviva Stadium
2. Limerick or Galway - Thomond Park perhaps?
3. Cork - where?
Thurles would not be released as it would coincide with the Munster Championship and most of the games are played there.
Croke Park is too near the Aviva.
The rugby would be over and the pitch the correct dimensions for soccer so Thomond Park would be a very viable option.

Capacity at Thomond would surely be an issue no?
Big Phil
(575 Posts)
Posted: 15-May-2012 15:53
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Would be great if it were to go ahead and with the expanded Euros from 2016 onwards, perhaps UEFA would be more inclined to accept a bid from three countries, particularly so close together.

Couple of problems though:

Stadiums - only one available right now - we would need at least two and more likely three. Realistic options are maybe Croke Park and Thomond - no way will a new stadium be built.

GAA very unlikely to rent Croke Park for the tournament at the start of championship season - unless they are very well financially rewarded. Bound to be severe opposition internally in the gaa.

These used to be a rule and may well still be that you could not use two stadia in the one city for a bid. If that still holds, then that would rule out CP anyways.

Unfortunately like the ill fated 2008 bid, I feel this will be a dream and not a reality. It probably wont even gather as much legs as the 2008 bid did.
theface2010
(3,490 Posts)
Posted: 15-May-2012 16:11
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Originally posted by N16:
Few interersting points. First of alll if a bid from the 3 countries was accepted, then yeah, all 3 wouild have to qualify automatically as hosts. The format is currently 16 teams and this time round 2 teams have qualified as hosts - it will be 24 teams in 2020 so no reason why 3 teams cost host it and qualify. Its not as if its the WC or anything like that.
My questions would be around what grounds would be used. As Northern ireland are their own seperate footballing body and compete internationally, then no ground in the 6 counties could be used.
EUFA demand that 10 stadia be put forward - so that would mean at least 3 in each country. Because the way the groups would be set up, would not all 3 stadia in ireland have to be in different cities or towns? So what cities / stadia would be used?
1. Aviva Stadium
2. Limerick or Galway - Thomond Park perhaps?
3. Cork - where?
Thurles would not be released as it would coincide with the Munster Championship and most of the games are played there.
Croke Park is too near the Aviva.
The rugby would be over and the pitch the correct dimensions for soccer so Thomond Park would be a very viable option.

I'd say 2 stadiums would be enough. Wales would have the Millenium, Liberty Stadium and Cardiff's ground. Scotland would have Ibrox, Celtic Park and Murrayfield. What about Lansdowne and Pearse Stadium maybe?
N16
(1,724 Posts)
Posted: 15-May-2012 16:18
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Originally posted by theface2010:
I'd say 2 stadiums would be enough. Wales would have the Millenium, Liberty Stadium and Cardiff's ground. Scotland would have Ibrox, Celtic Park and Murrayfield. What about Lansdowne and Pearse Stadium maybe?

EUFA have stated that 10 stadia are required.
Regarding Scotland - what about Hampden Park? They wont have games in both Celtic Park and Ibrox. They'd have to spread it over 3 cities at least. So Edinburgh and either Dundee or Aberdeen.
Same with Wales. Millennium Stadium and the Liberty Stadium would be shoe-ins. But they'd need somwhere else like Wrexham for another venue.
cityoftribes
(3,030 Posts)
Posted: 15-May-2012 16:42
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Originally posted by N16:
EUFA have stated that 10 stadia are required.
Regarding Scotland - what about Hampden Park? They wont have games in both Celtic Park and Ibrox. They'd have to spread it over 3 cities at least. So Edinburgh and either Dundee or Aberdeen.
Same with Wales. Millennium Stadium and the Liberty Stadium would be shoe-ins. But they'd need somwhere else like Wrexham for another venue.

N16, do you know what the minimum capacity should be, based on regulations?
Based on 24 teams it is to be assumed that it will be 6 groups of 4. Normally each group needs two stadiums.

Dublin (Aviva & Croker),

Cardiff (Millenium & Cardiff city stadium), Then you have grounds at Swansea, Llaneli and Wrexham!! The capacity wouldn’t be great nor would the current state of some of these stadia, in the context of FIFA regulations.

Glasgow (Ibrox, Celtic & Hampden Park), Edinburgh (Easter Rd & Tynecastle). Then you have grounds at Aberdeen, Kilmarnock and Dundee*2. But again the capacity wouldn’t be great in a lot of those, also it would depend on the current state of these stadia, particularly in the context of FIFA regulations.
stones_off
(2,815 Posts)
Posted: 15-May-2012 16:53
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Originally posted by cityoftribes:
N16, do you know what the minimum capacity should be, based on regulations?
Based on 24 teams it is to be assumed that it will be 6 groups of 4. Normally each group needs two stadiums. Dublin (Aviva & Croker), Cardiff (Millenium & Cardiff city stadium), Then you have grounds at Swansea, Llaneli and Wrexham!! The capacity wouldn’t be great nor would the current state of some of these stadia, in the context of FIFA regulations.Glasgow (Ibrox, Celtic & Hampden Park), Edinburgh (Easter Rd & Tynecastle). Then you have grounds at Aberdeen, Kilmarnock and Dundee*2. But again the capacity wouldn’t be great in a lot of those, also it would depend on the current state of these stadia, particularly in the context of FIFA regulations.

The only 3 stadiums to comply with UEFA standards in Ireland are, Croke Park, Lansdowne Road and the Gaelic Grounds.
theface2010
(3,490 Posts)
Posted: 15-May-2012 16:56
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Originally posted by N16:
EUFA have stated that 10 stadia are required.
Regarding Scotland - what about Hampden Park? They wont have games in both Celtic Park and Ibrox. They'd have to spread it over 3 cities at least. So Edinburgh and either Dundee or Aberdeen.
Same with Wales. Millennium Stadium and the Liberty Stadium would be shoe-ins. But they'd need somwhere else like Wrexham for another venue.

By the sounds of things if UEFA want it spread around a number of cities this isn't really a runner at all so is it?
theface2010
(3,490 Posts)
Posted: 15-May-2012 16:58
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Originally posted by stones_off:
The only 3 stadiums to comply with UEFA standards in Ireland are, Croke Park, Lansdowne Road and the Gaelic Grounds.

Forgot about the Gaelic Grounds that would be another option. Pity FF and Bertie weren't still running the country and we could've built a brand new stadium in Mullingar for €900m that would never be used again.
cityoftribes
(3,030 Posts)
Posted: 15-May-2012 17:02
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Originally posted by theface2010:
Forgot about the Gaelic Grounds that would be another option. Pity FF and Bertie weren't still running the country and we could've built a brand new stadium in Mullingar for €900m that would never be used again.

From the Government that gave us Abbottstown and Thornton Hall!!

I didn't realise that the GG's were UEFA compliant. When did this come about?
cityoftribes
(3,030 Posts)
Posted: 15-May-2012 17:03
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Are we forgettting the Elephant in the Room - Windsor Park????????
N16
(1,724 Posts)
Posted: 15-May-2012 17:07
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Originally posted by cityoftribes:
N16, do you know what the minimum capacity should be, based on regulations?
Based on 24 teams it is to be assumed that it will be 6 groups of 4. Normally each group needs two stadiums. Dublin (Aviva & Croker), Cardiff (Millenium & Cardiff city stadium), Then you have grounds at Swansea, Llaneli and Wrexham!! The capacity wouldn’t be great nor would the current state of some of these stadia, in the context of FIFA regulations.Glasgow (Ibrox, Celtic & Hampden Park), Edinburgh (Easter Rd & Tynecastle). Then you have grounds at Aberdeen, Kilmarnock and Dundee*2. But again the capacity wouldn’t be great in a lot of those, also it would depend on the current state of these stadia, particularly in the context of FIFA regulations.

The smallest stadium fdor Euro 2012 holds 30000. Croker and the Aviva as a combination would easily accomodate the numbers required. With 24 teams you will always have plenty of games that dont sell out.
With 24 teams I'd imagine it would be 6 groups of 4. How do then then work out who qualifies? Top 2 plus the 4 best 3rd spot teams? and have a second round of 16, qfs etc? That would make the most sense. Thomond Park could be used for smaller group games - say if you ended up with Norway vs Bulgaria or something like that.
You'd also have to take into account where the hosts would play. Ireland in the Aviva, Wales in the Millennium Stadium and Scotland at Hampden. Assuming those 3 are kept apart, you also have 3 other groups to cater for - so at least 10 stadia are required. I'd even push for 4 stadia per country and work out who plays where after the draw is made. That way each group has its own 2 assigned stadia and then whittle it down after the group stages. If this does come off and say the only 2 stadia in Ireland are CP and the Aviva, then how can Ireland say its hosting the European Championships? Dublin would be yes, but not Ireland as a whole. For that reason 2 other cirties should also be chosen - Cork is the second biggest in Ireland. If Thomond Park was in Galway City it would be a shoe in as its in the province of Connaught and you'd be covering the 3 provinces outside of Ulster. Maybe even Thomond and Pearse Stadium for group games - be great for the west of Ireland.
N16
(1,724 Posts)
Posted: 15-May-2012 17:08
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Originally posted by cityoftribes:
Are we forgettting the Elephant in the Room - Windsor Park????????

Northern Ireland are a sdeperate entity footballwise and as they would not be part of the bid, then why should anything be played in Windsor Park? If games were to be hosted there, then they would be part of the bid and qualify automatically. So that rules that out.
N16
(1,724 Posts)
Posted: 15-May-2012 17:09
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Originally posted by stones_off:
The only 3 stadiums to comply with UEFA standards in Ireland are, Croke Park, Lansdowne Road and the Gaelic Grounds.

What about the new Thomond Park?
Something that can easily be resolved.
cityoftribes
(3,030 Posts)
Posted: 15-May-2012 17:10
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Originally posted by N16:
Northern Ireland are a sdeperate entity footballwise and as they would not be part of the bid, then why should anything be played in Windsor Park? If games were to be hosted there, then they would be part of the bid and qualify automatically. So that rules that out.

I know that, was only joking.
cityoftribes
(3,030 Posts)
Posted: 15-May-2012 17:15
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Originally posted by N16:
The smallest stadium fdor Euro 2012 holds 30000.

That's why I was asking you is there a minimum capacity as regulation from UEFA, because for example Swansea only holds 20k, whilst Wrexham only holds 15k. In Scotland, none of the stadia in Edinburgh hold more than 20k.

The capacity of any stdium outside of Dublin would also be severely reduced due to Uefa's all-seater laws.
This message has been edited - 15-may-2012 @ 17:16
lopper
(1,990 Posts)
Posted: 15-May-2012 17:23
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Originally posted by stones_off:
The only 3 stadiums to comply with UEFA standards in Ireland are, Croke Park, Lansdowne Road and the Gaelic Grounds.

Is there a source for this?
stones_off
(2,815 Posts)
Posted: 15-May-2012 17:33
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Originally posted by cityoftribes:
That's why I was asking you is there a minimum capacity as regulation from UEFA, because for example Swansea only holds 20k, whilst Wrexham only holds 15k. In Scotland, none of the stadia in Edinburgh hold more than 20k.The capacity of any stdium outside of Dublin would also be severely reduced due to Uefa's all-seater laws.

30,000 is the minimum as far as I know.
inbetweeners
(413 Posts)
Posted: 15-May-2012 20:40
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Originally posted by lopper:
Is there a source for this?

Yes I would like a source too. I find it hard to believe.

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