Turkey see 2020 Champions League hosting as gateway to big events

Euro 2020_Turkey

May 31 – The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has hailed the decision to award the final of the 2020 Champions League Final to Istanbul as a positive move in the build-up to the September ballot to choose the 2024 Euro hosts.

Turkey is bidding against Germany to stage the Euros and will be encouraged  by UEFA’s decision to hand the Champions League final to Ataturk Olympic Stadium 15 years after it provided the stage for Liverpool’s memorable comeback against AC Milan to claim the 2005 title.

The 76,000-capacity ground was chosen ahead of Lisbon’s Estadio da Luz and a statement by the Turks read: “The choice of Istanbul is a strong demonstration by UEFA of its faith in Turkey to host exceptional, world-class events and adds to the country’s already significant hosting experience, which includes the UEFA Champions League Final 2005, UEFA Cup Final 2009, 2010 World Basketball Championships, FIFA U20 World Cup 2013 and many more World Championships in various sports. Turkey is also looking forward to hosting the 2019 UEFA Super Cup in Istanbul.”

“Atatürk Olympic Stadium also features prominently in Turkey’s bid to host UEFA EURO 2024. With confirmed plans to upgrade the iconic venue in time for 2024, it will offer a unique fan experience and is also one of 10 ultra-modern stadia, located across nine Turkish cities included in tournament proposals submitted to UEFA last month as part of its Bid Dossier.

Servet Yardımcı, Vice-President of the TFF and UEFA Executive Committee Member, added: “Looking ahead, it is our strong desire to host UEFA EURO 2024, a tournament that promises a new frontier for UEFA. As a gateway to Asia, Africa and the Middle East, Turkey offers exciting opportunities to host a global EURO that will bring this exciting tournament to more people than ever before.”

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