Bilbao ‘may host Spain at Euro 2020’

UEFA general secretary Gianni Infantino has said that should Bilbao be a host city at the European Championships in 2020, they may host Spain.

Speculation this week is that Athletic Bilbao’s new San Mames will be one of the 13 grounds across 13 different cities in the European continent to host matches at Euro 2020.

UEFA’s Executive Committee is being held in Bilbao this week and allowed reporters to probe the European game’s governing body over possible hosting rights.

“Bilbao is a great city, a city of football and one that also has a new stadium,” general secretary Infantino has responded this week.

“The city chosen by the Spanish Football Federation must meet certain criteria in terms of stadium size and other aspects relating to hotels, airports, flight connections. And of the four that have been proposed are compliant.

“And above all that counts the new stadium, as they have in Bilbao.

“At least two of Spain’s matches [should they qualify for the tournament] could be played at San Mames.

“Among the proposals from the different federations, we will choose 13 of them and 12 will host matches in the group stage, while the 13th will host the semi-finals and final.

“The RFEF have presented four candidates and they have until April 24, 2014 for a final proposal, then UEFA will communicate the decision on September 25. Any of the four will be fantastic.”

UEFA President Michel Platini visited Athletic’s San Mames today with RFEF chief Angel Maria Villar.

Tags Bilbao Euro 2020 Infantino San Mames UEFA
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