Scotland faces "losing out on a chance to host a glamour Euro 2020 group stage" -- because Hampden does not "have enough fatcat seats," according to Gordon Waddell of the Scotland DAILY RECORD. They "fear if UEFA apply strict rules on stadium criteria for their elite competitions it could hold us and other small nations back from ever hosting their showcase games." Host stadiums must have 80 "sky boxes" -- hospitality boxes with 10 seats outside -- and Hampden "only has 26." No ground in Scotland "comes close to qualifying." Scottish FA CEO Stewart Regan said, "We have submitted a letter before the deadline and we have said we would still like to keep our hat in the ring. However, based on the bid dossier that was sent out we are non-compliant." The SFA has "conducted a feasibility study into getting Hampden up to the required standard by adding 60 boxes, which would be used mainly for corporate guests but also to host broadcasters." However, the "cost of even a temporary solution" was in the region of £10M ($16M) and for a group involving only four matches, the chances of any return on that investment "were nil." In the meantime, if the '20 bid "is derailed Scotland will submit an application to host the 2017 women’s European Championships." Regan said, "The criteria are not as stringent and we have said we would be interested in that as an option" (DAILY RECORD, 9/15).
