SFA in talks for joint bid to host European Champioonships

Published on Wednesday 3 December 2008 09:08

The Scottish Football Association today confirmed holding "tentative" talks with Wales and Northern Ireland over co-hosting the 2016 European Championships.

Scotland's dream of staging the tournament in eight years' time appeared to have ended in September when UEFA announced they were increasing the number of finalists from 16 to 24.

The country lacks the infrastructure to host an expanded tournament but the SFA are looking to link up with one of their near neighbours in the hope a joint bid will be successful.

An SFA spokesman told PA Sport tentative talks had been held with both Wales and Northern Ireland with a view to linking up with one of them.

Meanwhile, UEFA general secretary David Taylor insists Scotland would be a "great place" to hold the tournament.

Former SFA chief executive Taylor, who was involved in the unsuccessful bid to bring Euro 2008 to Scotland and the Republic of Ireland, added in the Herald: "It would be terrific. But I must be careful here.

"My enthusiasm for and advice to any country could be perceived in the wrong way. Many countries in UEFA are capable of hosting the tournament."