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FA's Wembley hopes for Euro 2020

ESPN staff
June 4, 2013
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Outgoing FA chairman David Bernstein is confident Wembley Stadium is a main contender to be the host venue for the final of the European Championship in 2020.

The tournament will for the first time be staged in countries across Europe to mark the 60th anniversary of the competition, and Germany has already put Munich and Berlin forward as potential final venues.

Istanbul's Ataturk Stadium is currently considered the favourite to host the final but Bernstein believes Wembley - which reopened in 2007 after being rebuilt at a cost of close to £800 million - is also in the frame.

"I understand Turkey have a good chance of getting the final if they don't get the [2020] Olympic Games," Bernstein, who steps down from his role as chairman in July to be replaced by former BBC director general Greg Dyke, said.

"We will put in two bids - one for the semi-final and final, and one for a package of earlier matches which would include England home matches being played at Wembley. The bids will go in alongside one another but we can't get both."

Adrian Bevington, the managing director of Club England, added that the fact the stadium has played host to the Champions League final in both 2011 and 2013 will strengthen the FA's bid.

"What we do know is UEFA is very positive about Wembley, as we have had two Champions League finals [in three seasons]," he said. "We're confident we will be in a real mix to get it."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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