Labour Party News

Euro 2016: Scotland and Wales talks “a very positive move” says Griffiths

A Labour Member of the Welsh Assembly, Lesley Griffiths, has welcomed confirmation that discussions are to take place between the Welsh Football Association of Wales (FAW) and the Scottish Football Association (SFA) concerning a possible joint-bid to co-host the European Championships in 2016. The AM described the news as “a very positive move forward”.

Ms. Griffiths - who has led the political campaign in Wales for the two nations to submit a joint-bid - had recently aired her concerns that Wales and Scotland risked losing momentum to rivals France to host Euro 2016, unless they made a firm indication on their intent in the near future.

Commenting on news that talks between the FAW and SFA are now to take place, Lesley Griffiths AM said:

“The fact that talks between our respective football associations is to take place, is very encouraging news indeed.

“I have been concerned over recent months that France were beginning to ’steal a march’ on our aspirations to co-host Euro 2016. However, this is a very positive move forward by the FAW and SFA and I wish them well in their discussions.

“Whilst this is a matter for the football associations to decide, I believe there is a growing political will in both Wales and Scotland for a joint-bid to be made. All large sporting events such as this, need political support to make it happen and that is what I have tried to build in Wales over the last year.

“I strongly believe there would be immense public support in Wales and Scotland for a joint-bid to take place. Both our countries share a huge passion for football and I am confident we could host the best championships in the history of the competition.”

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