Joint Euro 2008 bid to be submitted to UEFA

A detailed document for the joint bid by Ireland and Scotland to host the Euro 2008 football tournament will be sent to UEFA …

A detailed document for the joint bid by Ireland and Scotland to host the Euro 2008 football tournament will be sent to UEFA today.

The document was being formally signed and sent to the football authority ahead of the May 31st deadline for final applications.

Representatives from both countries believe the bid will meet all criteria laid down by UEFA, and that the joint bid stands a "great chance" of success.

A number of people involved in the application were gathering at Glasgow Airport to finalise the bid document - the latest milestone of the joint effort to secure the European Championships, the world's third biggest sporting event.

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Scottish sports minister Mr Mike Watson and Mr John Henderson, Scotland and Ireland Euro 2008 bid manager, were expected to be at the airport to help seal the document.

If the joint bid is approved, Ireland would play host to one group, one quarter-final and a semi-final.

Scotland would provide six stadia, host the opening match, three groups, three quarter-finals, the other semi-final and the Euro 2008 final.

Rangers FC's Ibrox stadium, Celtic's Parkhead, Murrayfield - home to Scotland's international rugby team - and the national stadium, Hampden Park, are already in place for the proposed joint-bid with Ireland.

Backers believe the success of the UEFA Champions League final at Hampden earlier this month had strengthened the bid.

PA