Scottish FA send 'expression of interest' to co-host Euro 2020

The Scottish Football Association has sent an "expression of interest" to UEFA over possibly co-hosting Euro 2020 with both Wales and the Republic of Ireland.

The Celtic nation interest joins separate expressions from both Georgia and Turkey to hold the tournament in eight years' time.

A spokesperson for the Scottish FA said: "We can confirm that we have had initial discussions on the principle of a joint bid with both Wales and the Republic of Ireland and have declared our interest to UEFA in order that we can fully explore the opportunity in more detail.

"At this stage no bids are expected by UEFA in relation to Euro 2020. These will not be required for at least 18 months."

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.

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". The current 16-team format will be upped to 24 participants from 2016 onwards.

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.

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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