Platini backs Turkey’s bid to host Euro 2020

PanARMENIAN.Net - UEFA president Michel Platini said he would vote for Turkey to host Euro 2020, but only if Istanbul fails to win the right to stage that year's Olympics.

In a speech to delegates at the opening of the UEFA Congress, former footballer Erdogan said: "I would like to repeat the request to host the European Championship in Istanbul in 2020."

The proposal comes as a blow to Istanbul's 2020 Olympic candidacy as bidding for two major events which are usually held only weeks apart is unlikely to be successful.

But Platini questioned Turkey's ability to host both events in the same year, although he added that if Istanbul failed to win the Olympics he would back them personally.

"I heard what the prime minister said and we will see what countries present bids. Turkey had a strong bid in 2016 and I think they will be even stronger in 2020, " the Frenchman said.

"If Istanbul does not get the Olympic Games the Turkish bid will be a stronger bid and one that I will support and one that I will vote for. Last time (for 2016) I did not vote, but this time I will vote for , because I believe Turkey should host a Euros."

The IOC will elect the winning bid for the 2020 Games in September next year with Qatar's Doha, Madrid, Tokyo and Azerbaijan's Baku also in the running, Reuters reported.