News from Welsh Labour

“Time running out for euro 2016 bid” warns Welsh Assembly Member

Wales and Scotland risk being unsuccessful in bidding to co-host the European Football Championships in 2016, unless a firm indication from the countries’ respective football associations is made in the near future, according to a Labour Member of the Welsh Assembly.

Wrexham’s AM, Lesley Griffiths – who has led the political campaign in Wales for the two nations to submit a joint-bid – was commenting after news that a rival bid by France to host Euro 2016, has taken a major step forward in recent days.

At the end of September, at a meeting in Bordeaux, UEFA changed the format of the competition to increase the number of teams from 16 to 24 teams. This move effectively ruled out a solo bid from Scotland and left the door open for a possible joint-bid to host Euro 2016 between Wales and Scotland.

However, in recent months, the French Government have established a 21 member strong “Grands Stade” Commission to assess existing stadia in the country and submit modernisation proposals for its existing sporting infrastructure, with a view to submitting a bid to host Euro 2016.

Now, the French Minister charged with administering public projects, Eric Besson, has called on private investors to help with France’s bid to host the championships.

As well as a potential French bid, in recent months there has been speculation about Sweden and Norway bidding for Euro 2016.

With this in mind, Lesley Griffiths now believes the time is fast approaching for Wales and Scotland to make their intentions known, on plans to co-host the competition. Commenting, she said:

“I believe there is a genuine will by the Football Association of Wales to explore and pursue a joint-bid with Scotland to co-host Euro 2016 – they have gone on-the-record in support of this idea.

“However, there has been silence from Scottish Football Association in recent months on the subject – at a time when potential rival bids are now gathering serious momentum. I believe there is a real risk that any future Welsh and Scottish bid could fall by the wayside, unless we match that momentum and soon.

“Whilst, ultimately, this is a matter for our respective football associations to indicate their wish to proceed with a joint-bid, it is clear from what the French are currently engaged in that any joint-bid will require full Government backing. This means Cardiff and Edinburgh working together to ensure a viable bid can be submitted on behalf of our respective nations.

“My understanding is that it remains the stated aim of the Scottish Government to host Euro 2016. Indeed, just twelve months ago, Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond ordered a feasibility study into this happening.

“What has changed in recent months is that Scotland cannot host the new enlarged competition on its own. It has to be in a joint-bid and I hope they will consider Wales as their partner, given the FAW’s positive approach to the idea.

“I genuinely believe that amongst the Welsh and Scottish people, there would be immense public support for a bid. If a joint-bid fails to materialise, I think it would be huge opportunity missed.”

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