Turning Euro dreams into Euro reality

No-one should be holding their breath in anticipation of European Championship finals games being played in Ireland in eight years’ time, despite confirmation the FAI joined its counterparts in Scotland and Wales in expressing an interest in co-hosting the tournament in 2020.

Sports politics seem to be at play in the move which, it’s understood, was encouraged by UEFA in response to concerns the only other expression of interest on the table, ahead of last night’s deadline, was a Turkish bid which has long been embroiled in controversy. Georgia also belatedly entered the fray yesterday with a solo run, after a plan to co-host with Azerbaijan collapsed.

Although reportedly backed by UEFA President Michel Platini, Turkey’s interest in hosting the competition has been overshadowed by domestic match-fixing and corruption allegations. And, of even greater concern in Istanbul is that Euro 2020 would also clash with the country’s desire to host the Olympics in the same year, effectively ensuring one or other bid fails.