SFA chief cool on idea of 2012 bid with FAI

Ireland's reported bid to co-host the Euro 2012 Championship finals with Scotland has been met with scepticism in Glasgow.

Scottish Football Association (SFA) chief executive David Taylor said yesterday no formal bid had been made by Ireland.

Taylor added that if Scotland had a chance of being involved in hosting the 2012 finals, it would have to consider mounting a solo bid. Furthermore, he said the situation would not become clear until the turn of the year.

The plan was discussed at the FAI's a.g.m. in Derry at the weekend. But with Lansdowne Road still the only feasible venue for hosting major internationals in the Republic, the Scots were concerned at the feasibility of an Irish bid.

The countries failed in a joint attempt to host the 2008 tournament after UEFA favoured the joint bid by Austria and Switzerland.

Speaking to BBC Radio Scotland yesterday, Taylor said the SFA would have to consider their position very carefully. Chief executive since 1999, Taylor added his association were unhappy with the selection system used last time around.

"We would need to know who our main competitors were going to be this time round. We would have to consider what political strength we have within the decision-making body, UEFA," he said.

This year Portugal had 10 venues. Eight was the minimum for 2012, according to Taylor. He added Portugal had spent 600 million on securing the tournament but expected half as much again in revenue generated.

"I think all economists look at this sort of major event policy and realise it makes good sense for the country," he said. He predicted Italy and Russia were likely to be candidate countries for 2012.