Euro 2020 could be spread across continent, says Michel Platini

Michel Platini has claimed the 2020 European championship could be spread across a number of countries rather than having a single host.

The Uefa president stressed that it is only an idea but that it is a concept being considered “very seriously” by European football’s governing body.

“The Euros in 2020 could be held all over Europe,” said Platini. “It could be either one country and 12 stadiums, or one stadium in 12 or 13 cities.”

The tournament is usually hosted in one or two countries, with the next event taking place in France in 2016.

Platini said Uefa will make a final decision on the matter in January of February next year.

“This is only an idea, but in December or January we have to make our final decision. The idea seems very appealing to me, especially given we will have the 60th anniversary of the tournament,” he added.

“This matter will be discussed very seriously. We will have a great debate about 2020 and discuss the pros and cons.

“It’s an idea I feel really passionate about, it will be a lot easier from a financial perspective.”

Turkey had emerged as the leading candidate to host the tournament but their bid has come under fire following the country’s proposal to host the Olympic games in Istanbul in the same year.

“We are not going to wait until we know whether Turkey are going to get the Olympics,” said Platini, who also added that cheap air travel would make it easy for fans to attend venues in different countries during the tournament.

“It creates a problem for us. We do have other candidates. Everyone has the possibility to host it.

“It is easier to go from London to Paris or Berlin than Cardiff to Gdansk. It would be four games per venue. It is a great debate.

“We are just thinking about it. I have said 12 or 13 host cities, it could be 24 or 32. In these days of cheap air travel anything is possible.”

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Read more on: Euro 2012, euro 2016, euro 2020, International football, michel platini, uefa.