[Article] FAI won't rule out joint Euro 2008 bid

thejollyrodger

FAI won't rule out joint Euro 2008 bid
From:ireland.com
Tuesday, 5th October, 2004

http://home.eircom.net/content/irelandcom/breaking/4151972?view=EircomnetSport


The FAI said last night it has not ruled out the possibility of reviving its joint bid with Scotland to host the European Championships in 2008 in the event Switzerland and Austria are obliged to relinquish the event because of problems in relation to the construction of stadiums.

The issue has arisen because it has become increasingly apparent that the Swiss will not be able to fulfil their commitment to provide a venue for the championships in Zurich.

The successful bid, which provided for four stadiums being used in each of the host nations, had allowed for the construction of a new ground in the city; but a dispute between the developers of the facility, which was also to have included a major shopping complex, and local residents is now before the Swiss Federal Courts and will not be resolved by UEFA's December 31st deadline for the confirmation of venues.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter, himself a Swiss citizen, has now been asked by UEFA to intervene with his country's government in the hope of resolving what is seen as a political matter.

Speaking with Swiss journalists on Sunday, however, he confirmed a number of the associations that lost out in the bidding process, including the FAI, had made their dissatisfaction with the present situation known to him.

Blatter said the problems involved are serious and described the letter sent by UEFA to the Swiss Football Federation, the contents of which were widely reported by the country's newspapers over the weekend, as "a warning".

He added that "in my 30 years with FIFA we have never sent such a letter to the organisers of a major tournament".

Swiss Federation officials yesterday played down the seriousness of the situation and said they would respond to the issues raised by European Football's governing body well before November 30th, when they are due to present details of construction or renovation contracts for the four venues they are expected to provide.

They also said they would address concerns regarding the size of their security budget for the tournament over the coming weeks.

The FAI chief executive, Fran Rooney, was unavailable for comment in relation to the situation last night but a spokesman for the association said while nothing had been ruled out "our priority at this stage is the qualifying campaign for the next word cup".

He added the organisation would, however, watch developments in Switzerland carefully.

Scottish officials, meanwhile, were reported yesterday as having indicated their willingness to re-enter the bidding process in the event that the tournament is to be moved.

It appears, however, that by warning the Swiss and Austrians of their concerns at this stage, UEFA is attempting to avoid a repeat of the problems encountered with Portugal, which fell well behind with its preparations for this season's championship, before a late push enabled the country to stage a highly successful event.

.

thejollyrodger

If they go ahead with landsdown road and get it completed early in 2008, give some more funding to the GAA and get Croke Park opened for the event then we would be set to avail of any chance to run the Euro 2008 with Scotland.

It would be a great event for the country, lots of tourists and capital. Also it would be nice to get one over the swiss : P

Personally if I was the government I would go ahead with a 30,000 seater stadium down in Munster for Soccer/Rugby/GAA.

leeroybrown

I wouldn't see a joint Ireland/Scotland bid to replace them suceeding.

We don't have even a moderately decent 'soccer' stadium that will be ready on time.

The Scots have the venues but they are are pretty much all in Glasgow (Park Head, Ibrox, Hampden). I think this counted against the bid originally too.

therecklessone

The issue has arisen because it has become increasingly apparent that the Swiss will not be able to fulfil their commitment to provide a venue for the championships in Zurich.

Why anyone would think we could resolve our difficulties in time to mount a successful bid I do not know...

They have a problem with one stadium, we have none. Its that simple I'm afraid.

I wouldn't trust the Lansdowne development to proceed on schedule, and I imagine the GAA would drag their heels for long enough to make it an impossibility.

On top of that, I doubt UEFA would take us seriously.

Hagar

The FAI are an embarassment to the sport. I wish they would just keep their heads down and shut up.
They are making us an international laughing stock with their Mickey Mouse plans.

Pigman II

Can we please let this one go?

Unless we come to some arrangement whereby Scotland supply the venue's and we supply the booze then this idea is never gonna get off the ground.

thejollyrodger

I think the government should keep battling on with this !

Get landsdowne finished by late 2007 early 2008. 2 years of planning can be shortened to 18 months.

Enter discussions with the GAA about the use of Croker. Failing that build a 30,000 stadium in Cork. The revenue gained from tourism etc will more than pay for the new stadium.

por

thejollyrodger wrote:

I think the government should keep battling on with this !

Get landsdowne finished by late 2007 early 2008. 2 years of planning can be shortened to 18 months.

Enter discussions with the GAA about the use of Croker. Failing that build a 30,000 stadium in Cork. The revenue gained from tourism etc will more than pay for the new stadium.

Lansdowne will never be finished early.
Croker may be available.
A 30,000 seater satdium built in 3 yaers in Cork?, not a chance.
You still have the Scottish problem of 3 stadia in Glasgow
Ireland\Scotland did not even come second in the decision in 2002 so what makes you think that they will have any sucess this time round.

Waste of time.....

eirebhoy

For some reason I just can't see a Dublin/Glasgow bid ever getting the go-ahead. :rolleyes: I hope it doesn't to be honest, it'll embarrass our country.

thejollyrodger

Dublin is one of the top destinations in Europe. And they keep coming back ( ) Cork is European Capital of culture. Its a brilliant bid.

We could do this, Cork Dublin / Ireland bid with 2/3 stadia. Its only the Euro 2008 finals F.F.S. The rest of Europe would love to come here than boring boring swizterland.

All the government would have to do is fast track landsdown road by 6 months.

Go and build a 30,000 seater stadium in Cork. €150 million should do it. Most of that back on tax and a big shot in the arm for Tourism Ireland.

kilkennycat2004

leeroybrown wrote:

We don't have even a moderately decent 'soccer' stadium that will be ready on time.QUOTE]

Or indeed started in time for this date leroy