Turkey Bid For Euro 2020 Confirmed

Turkey have officially submitted a bid to UEFA in the view to becoming the host nation to Euro 2020, which follows on from their bid to hold the Olympic Games in the same year.

 

With Turkey desperate to become a major player in the sports market, they will be eagerly anticipating UEFA’s expected decision in announcing the winning bid in late 2013 or early 2014. The International Olympic Committee will vote on the 2020 Summer Games in September 2013.

 

UEFA President, Michel Platini, created controversy two in 2010 when Turkey was edged out by France to host the expanded 24-nation Euro 2016. Officials complained that Platini, who is French and was not allowed to vote, had favored his home country. Since then, he has backed the Turkey bid for Euro 2020 as long as they fail to be awarded the Olympics in the same year.

 

There are concerns that bidding for Euro 2020 could jeopardize Turkey’s chances of winning the Olympic rights. The Olympic bid team said the Euro 2020 plan ”does not change any aspect of our bid.”

 

”Turkey’s Prime Minister, every level of government and every party is aligned behind the bid team and that unequivocal support will remain guaranteed throughout the bid process,” a statement said.

 

”Turkey has already guaranteed that if Istanbul is selected as the host city for the 2020 Olympic Games in September 2013, no other important national or international event will take place in Istanbul or its vicinity around the games period.”

 

Yildirim Demiroren, head of the Turkish Football Federation, said the government has also backed projects to speed stadium construction in several cities and to improve transportation infrastructure.