The Russian FA "formally declared Thursday it would propose St. Petersburg as a host city for the 13-nation Euro 2020 football tournament," according to R-SPORT. Euro 2020 "will be held in cities across Europe for the first time under an initiative" from UEFA President Michel Platini. One country "will host the semifinals and final, and the other 12 will hold a mix of group stage and knockout matches." Bidding ends Thursday. The city known as Russia's "Window on Europe" joins Budapest, Belgrade and Istanbul, which have "also reportedly submitted bids for Euro 2020." Istanbul is considered "the favorite to host the semifinals and final" (R-SPORT, 9/12).
AZERBAIJAN JOINS RACE: INSIDE WORLD FOOTBALL's Paul Nicholson reported Azerbaijan has added its name to the list of European nations bidding to host Euro 2020 matches, "putting forward Baku and the new Olympic stadium currently under construction as their venue" (INSIDE WORLD FOOTBALL, 9/12).
FFP BACKS LYON: The AFP reported the French Football Federation "has put forth Lyon as a candidate to host matches at Euro 2020." Taking into account the "58,000 capacity of Lyon's Grand Stade, which should be completed in time for the second half of the 2015-16 season, the stadium would only be able to bid for games in the early rounds" (AFP, 9/12).
