Euro 2020 could be played in Scotland as SFA consider late co-hosting bid

Hampden Park could welcome the 2020 European Championships if a co-hosting bid is made.

Scotland could make a late joint application with Wales to co-host the 2020 European Championships.

The deadline for expressions of interest to UEFA is on Tuesday evening, with only Turkey so far publicly announcing their intent to bid.

With the tournament featuring 24 teams instead of the current 16 from 2016, it has also been reported Republic of Ireland could become involved to accomodate the additional matches.

Scottish Football Association chief executive Stewart Regan has admitted talks have taken place over hosting the competition, but refused to comment whether an application will be made.

"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," Regan told insidethegames.biz

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

Based on the requirements for hosting the Euro 2016 tournament, it would be allowed for up to three nations to bid to co-host "under exceptional circumstances".

Nine stadiums were required for the competition in four years time, with two having a capacity of over 50,000 seats, three with 40,000 seats and four with 30,000 seats.

France, the hosts in 2016, are now using ten stadiums and it remains to be seen whether UEFA will amend the criteria for 2020.

The first phase of bidding requires applications to be made by May 15 this year.

The final bid requirements will then be sent out by UEFA to candidates in April 2013, before a final decision towards the end of the year or in early 2014.

A joint bid for Euro 2008 between Scotland and Ireland fell at the final stage ten years ago, with the competition hosting rights being awarded to Austria and Switzerland.

Wales and Scotland also considered bidding for the 2016 tournament three years ago but pulled out of the running.

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