London's Wembley Stadium has been suggested by the Football Association to UEFA as the venue for the Euro 2020 final, according to Martyn Ziegler of the London INDEPENDENT. UEFA President Michel Platini is considering changing the format of the tournament so that it would be "played in cities across Europe rather than just one or two countries." Reports indicate FA Chair David Bernstein met Platini last week and informed the Frenchman of the association's interest in Wembley holding the final of the Euro. If successful, it could also mean one or both Euro 2020 semifinals also being held in London since Platini's idea is that "one city should host the climax of the tournament." Wembley's chances are linked to Turkey's bid for Euro 2020 because if Istanbul wins the right to host the Olympics in that same year then UEFA "will not countenance Turkey hosting the Euros." If Istanbul does get the Games, Platini's "revolutionary new format" would be much more likely to take place. And UEFA's liking for Wembley -- it was a record-breaking venue in terms of finances for the Champions League final last year and will be so again in '13 -- would give London a "real chance of being selected for the final" (INDEPENDENT, 9/24).
