Ireland could yet be in line to host the 2008 European Championships, after the directors of Euro 2000 urged Scotland to make a joint bid to host the tournament. The Scottish Football Association (SFA) are already considering the possibility of bidding to stage the event, and Dutch FA Secretary Harry Been, claims a bid with Ireland and Wales could succeed. Mr Been has even offered to act as a consultant for the SFA.
“I have absolutely no doubt that with Scotland's great tradition for football a tournament held there could be a huge success,” Been told The Daily Mail. He added: “I've seen some of your stadia and, although it might have to be a joint bid with Ireland and Wales, there is no reason why it could not be a success with financial assistance from the government.”
Although there is no stadium in Dublin or Belfast worthy of such an occasion at present, assurances that Stadium Ireland and indeed eircom Park will be completed within the next five years, suggest that Ireland may yet co-host the prestigious event for the first time. With Croke Park also a possible option, it seems that Dublin could have three venue options, to compliment the likes of Parkhead, Ibrox, Hampden and Murrayfield in Scotland.
Belgium's Alain Courtois added: “I think it is feasible for you (Scotland) if you have the right strategies in place, the right planning and the right help from outside agencies. But SFA chief executive David Taylor insists backing from the Scottish Executive and positive feedback from UEFA would be essential before submitting a bid. He insisted: “We are still looking at the feasibility of the exercise and a lot of discussions are taking place. We've spoken to key people and UEFA are central to that, because they are the ones who choose the winner. No bid would be credible without wholehearted support from the Scottish Executive.
Filed by Shane Murray
