Euro 2012 last throw of dice for Scotland, says Smith

Published on Friday 6 June 2008 10:45

SCOTTISH Football Association chief executive Gordon Smith believes the 2012 European Championships would be Scotland's "last chance" to host the tournament.

The SFA have asked to be considered as alternative hosts should Poland and Ukraine lose the honour.

UEFA president Michel Platini warned the co-hosts to intensify efforts to upgrade stadia, transport links and accommodation following his last visit to the two countries in February. A further assessment is set to take place next month.

Smith said: "We have made it clear that we'd like to be considered if it's not going ahead in Ukraine and Poland.

"With the event likely to expand after 2012 it would be our last chance."

Smith has held talks with Platini about the possibility of Scotland hosting future tournaments.

He added: "I asked if the size of the competition was increasing from 16 teams.

"And, given that it probably would after 2012, we would not be able to stage a European Championship if that was the case.

"But he (Platini] said there might be an opportunity, you never know.

"There is an inspection on Ukraine and Poland's facilities in June or July and if they don't match up they may have to take the tournament elsewhere.

"I said that we'd like to be considered if that situation arose."