Sepp Blatter says a Euro 2020 across 13 countries would lack 'heart and soul'
FIFA president Sepp Blatter has criticised the proposed format set to be used at Euro 2020 and says the scattering of the tournament over 13 countries will not make it a true European championship, the 77-year-old Swiss
told German magazine Kicker on Thursday.
"A tournament belongs to a country, across which is created an identity and state of euphoria. The 2020 tournament has been dispersed and it is no longer a true European championship.
"It should be called something else, I don't know what but such a tournament will lack heart and soul." he continued.
Blatter also pointed out to UEFA president Michel Platini that the idea was not a new one and was in fact initially proposed by slain Libyan leader Moamer Kadhafi for the organisation of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
"Colonel Kadhafi told me that a match should be held in each of the 53 African countries. I told him, it was unthinkable."
Platini who launched the concept at the conclusion of Euro 2012, said he had received the congratulations of the FIFA president last December and quoted Blatter as saying it was "fantastic" during the agreement to proceed with the idea at the last UEFA executive committee meetings.
GMT 10:16 2018 Tuesday ,11 December
Kiev the latest home away from home for Shakhtar in crunch matchGMT 09:27 2018 Monday ,10 December
Gladbach win to go second, Mainz grab controversial drawGMT 07:27 2018 Sunday ,09 December
Messi's free-kick double keeps Barcelona clear at the top of La LigaGMT 11:56 2018 Thursday ,06 December
Messi primed for Catalan derby after Ballon d'Or snubGMT 14:47 2018 Wednesday ,05 December
All-conquering Shiffrin set for more success as WC returns to EuropeGMT 15:53 2018 Monday ,03 December
Swiss test for hosts Portugal, England meet Dutch in Nations LeagueGMT 07:07 2018 Sunday ,02 December
Man City extend Premier League lead; rivals United fall further backGMT 20:37 2018 Wednesday ,28 November
Record winners Sevilla among three Spanish sides seeking EL progressMaintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2021 ©
Maintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2021 ©
Send your comments
Your comment as a visitor