The impact and monetary worth of such a major tournament would be keenly felt in all three countries
The joke was doing the rounds right away: Scotland and Wales are turning to their only hope of qualifying for a major tournament by trying to host the 2020 European Championship. The Republic of Ireland, who are in partnership with their Celtic neighbours, will of course compete in this summer's Euros and are therefore exempt from such jibes. Uefa is in danger of ruining an excellent event by extending the competing number from 16 to 24, even if that move will offer an element of future on-field hope to the Scots and Welsh.
The three football associations in question have been keen to play down their aspirations of staging the event in eight years' time. Yet an initial note of interest would not be made to Uefa if the Scots, Welsh and Irish had absolutely no inclination to follow through on their currently tentative plans. By Tuesday night, the project had already gained fresh impetus.
If it seems bizarre that Scotland, a football pioneer of the past, has never hosted a major tournament then such matters have basis in a shortage of suitable stadiums. That factor, of course, is intrinsically linked to the Scots joining with those situated geographically close by.
Between them, and on account of the soon-to-be-expanded European Championship, the countries would most likely need to supply 10 grounds. Taking Hampden Park, Ibrox, Celtic Park, the Millennium Stadium, Croke Park and Aviva Stadium into account, there would still be a shortfall, if not one that couldn't be worked upon. The key element is cost.
The Celtic bid is lent credence by the opposition it will face. Turkey and Georgia are thus far the only other nations to note interest in hosting Euro 2020.
Georgia has a clear issue satisfying stadium criteria and Turkish football has been engulfed by allegations of corruption. Istanbul is also seeking to host the 2020 Olympic Games, leading one Uefa source to be quoted as saying: "Many in Uefa are losing patience with Turkey due to the chaos in the football there. The Olympic clash does not help either so this could be good news for Scotland, Wales and Ireland."
Taking that statement into account, it is hardly a leap of faith to suggest Uefa would actually offer background, political support to the Celtic plan. Already, there are reports that Michel Platini, the Uefa president, is especially welcoming of the Scottish, Welsh and Irish involvement. Such backing should not be underestimated.
Scotland and Ireland failed in their bid to land the 2008 Euros, an affair that sparked serious criticism north of the border. Despite political support, the scheme was seen as costly and botched. Four years on, it is little surprise the SFA won't come out and promise the earth; for now, senior figures there remain unconvinced about the practicalities and cost-efficiency of progressing a note of interest towards a full and formal bid.
Yet the impact and monetary worth of a major tournament such as this would, without question, be keenly felt in all three countries. These are nations with a strong, fervent football supporter base. While the logistics of a three-pronged tournament wouldn't be altogether straightforward, Uefa's willingness to let Poland and Ukraine stage the Euros in June highlights its occasional acceptance of the unconventional.
It would be uplifting for all concerned if this bid is followed through. Perhaps more pertinently, this time it could also be done with a strong element of confidence. Read More
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