Is Euro 2016 coming to Northern Ireland?
Wednesday, 3 December 2008
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The 2016 European Championships could be coming to Northern Ireland!
The Scottish Football Association today confirmed holding "tentative" talks with Wales and Northern Ireland over co-hosting the Euro 2016 finals.
Strangely though when contacted by the Belfast Telegraph this morning, Irish FA President Raymond Kennedy stated that he knew nothing about such a plan.
Scotland have been dreaming about holding a major tournament for some years now.
That dream of staging the Euro 2016 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.
That news came as surprise to Kennedy.
“This is the first I’ve heard of it,” said Kennedy when told the news this morning.
“I spoke to the Scottish FA President George Peat last night and it was not discussed. This is news to me!”
When asked if Northern Ireland would be interested in hosting the glamour event, Kennedy said: “We would need a reasonable stadium for that to happen.
“Obviously Scotland could use Hampden, Ibrox and Celtic Park while Wales would have the Millennium Stadium but the tournament would be something of interest to us.”
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, said: "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."
Time will tell how big a part Northern Ireland will play in Scotland’s 2016 bid.
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Yes Fearon, let the SFA pair up with the FAI again so that the Republic can ruin their chances yet again...
Posted by Gareth | 04.12.08, 23:06 GMT
Whoever wrote this is dreaming. Northern Ireland hasn't got the facilities to host a major tournament. There are grounds Scottish league teams play in better than Windsor Park so I can't see how you'll be included in the bid.
Posted by Gary Hargreaves | 03.12.08, 17:53 GMT
Once again Beacom gets a whiff of a story and falls for it hook, line and sinker. The European Championships coming to Northern Ireland - Don't make me laugh. I suppose the likes of Ronaldo, Torres and McGeady will be representing their respective countries at Meccas such as Inver Park, Ballyskeagh and Seaview. Get real!
Posted by Gareth Scott | 03.12.08, 16:13 GMT
Tony: Ireland's original side get the invite to join fellow Brits the Scots and Welsh and out go the toys from your pram.
By 2016, Windsor Park will be in fine fettle.
It might be a good excuse for you to come along to watch Northern Ireland (once again) and see for yourself first hand how everyone from NI (and beyond) is welcome to join the Green and White Army (UEFA award winning fans btw) and sing along with the Sea of Green....rather than judging us on the bad old days and one halfwit making a threat to Neil Lennon.
In fact, I can't see why you wouldn't want to go....
Posted by mickey | 03.12.08, 16:09 GMT
tony feraon anythning that has to do with northern ireland football you are always always putting it down and being negative how can anyone in this country move on when anytime that any suggestions are made your always putting a negative spin on it. wat is your problem with northern irish football.? are u soo bitter that you dont want to see northern ireland move and do better? ? but dont worry when northern irealnd play the republic of ireland in the four nations being organised at the minute and beat them home and away !! im sure we will change your thinking eh tony.......... !!!!
Posted by Alan Agnew | 03.12.08, 14:59 GMT
i cant believe im going to say this- I agree with tony fearon- i feel dirty- i'm off to have a shower
Posted by Neill C | 03.12.08, 14:15 GMT
What a joke. The Scottish FA should join up once again with the FAI and bid for the finals as they did for the 2008 finals. In 2016 there will be two major stadia in Dublin, three in Glasgow and one in Edinburgh.
Posted by Tony Fearon | 03.12.08, 13:20 GMT
In 2016 we'll still be arguing about where to build the flippin stadium.
Posted by Pete | 03.12.08, 13:03 GMT