Soccer: Ireland could co-host 2008 European championship

Ireland must have two 30,000 seater stadiums ready for use if they are to co-host the 2008 European football championships with Scotland.

Talks between the Scottish Football Association (SFA) and the FAI are at an advanced stage and the possibility of a joint venture is growing stronger.

It is hoped the two stadiums would be the proposed national stadium and Croke Park, if the GAA accept the situation as being an exceptional circumstance.

Head of the SFA's project, Simon Lyons is meeting with FAI General Secretary, Brendan Menton and top civil servants on Monday.

However, Mr Lyons has not ruled out the possibility of Scotland making its own bid, adding he wants to find out how hungry Ireland is to be part of the event.

If Ireland co-hosted the championship it would host one of the four groups.