Platini: Euro 2020 could be held all over Europe
30/06/2012 - 11:45:58UEFA president Michel Platini has revealed the concept of one or two countries staging major tournaments may be abandoned for Euro 2020.
Platini confirmed a final decision would be taken in January or February next year.
“This matter will be discussed very seriously,” he added.
Turkey had been favourites to host the event but their bid has hit difficulties due to a desire to host the Olympic Games in Istanbul in the same year.
Platini has confirmed a radical alternative is now being considered.
“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.”
Platini continued: "We will have a great debate about 2020 and discuss the pros and cons. Then we will make a decision. I think it is a great idea.”
Platini repeated his opposition to goal-line technology.
“I am against technology,” he told the press conference in Kiev. “Where do we stop? There was a mistake in the Ukraine-England game. But there was an offside before that.”
UEFA general secretary Gianni Infantino said the controversial additional referees behind the goal would remain and also cited Ukraine’s effort against England as the only error.
“There was full support for the system of additional referees to continue,” he said. “The experiment has been extremely positive. In over a thousand matches, there has been one mistake.”
Infantino revealed that the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff will host the UEFA Super Cup in August 2014, with Tblisi in Georgia playing host in 2015.