Glasgow to bid for UEFA 2020 games

STEWART Regan has confirmed that the Scottish Football Association will put Glasgow forward as a host city for the 2020 European Championship finals, which will be staged as a multi-nation event.

UEFA President Michel Platini. Picture: Getty

UEFA chief Michel Platini has a vision for the finals to be held in 13 cities and the SFA is in the process of setting up their own steering group consisting of stakeholders across Scotland, including the Scottish Government and Glasgow City Marketing Bureau.

“There are 54 European Associations because Gibraltar were voted in last month as the 54th, so 13 out of 54 gives us a great chance, especially as we know England are going to be bidding with Wembley,” said Regan.

It is expected that UEFA will opt for a cluster of stadiums in geographical zones, and the SFA’s bid could benefit from Wembley’s position as one of the strong favourites to hold the semi-final and final. Only one stadium needs to be included in the submission, which the SFA plan will be Hampden Park. However, Ibrox or Celtic Park could be “fallback” options.

“Glasgow and Istanbul are the two cities in Europe that have three 50,000 seater (football) stadiums,” added Regan. “It puts us in a nice position.”

The SFA has until March 2014 to submit a bid.