Scott backs European football bid

10.47.26am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 29th Sep 2008

Leader of the Liberal Democrats in Scotland Tavish Scott has welcomed the announcement that the UEFA European Championship is to be expanded to include 24 teams.

Mr Scott has also called on Alex Salmond to use the opportunity of the British Irish Council being held in Edinburgh today (Friday) to approach the First Ministers of Wales and Northern Ireland about placing a joint bid to host a future European Championship.

Commenting, Mr Scott said:

“This is a great opportunity for smaller nations such as Scotland, in conjunction with Wales and Northern Ireland, to jointly place a bid to host future European Championships.

“Having spoken to Gordon Smith Chief Executive of the Scottish Football Association I know that there would be strong support for this idea.

“Alex Salmond today has an excellent opportunity to build on Scotland’s successful bids to host the Commonwealth Games and Ryder Cup and get round the table with the First Ministers of Northern Ireland and Wales to discuss jointly hosting a future European Championship.”