The decision on whether Dublin will host games in the 2020 European Championships Finals will be made this afternoon in Switzerland. Sport for Business will report live on the announcement through social media @SportforBusines and here through a live stream of the announcement.
Seven days ago the FAI bid took a significant step forward with a UEFA Review highlighting the its strength across a wide range of criteria.
The report states that ‘the political and football structures are sound and the documentation shows the determination of all the stakeholders involved to see Dublin among the chosen cities.’
It goes on to give high praise to the transport network, including public transport links in and around the Aviva Stadium, or the Dublin Arena as it is referenced in the same way as was the case for the hosting of the 2011 Europa League Final.
Dublin’s hotel accommodation is rated as very impressive and recognition is given to the undertaking by the Irish Hotel Federation that pricing would not be raised exorbitantly to profit from the influx of fans from across the continent.
Rival
Of even greater benefit is the fact that Scotland’s bid, seen as a main rival to the FAI’s was considerably hampered by uncertainty over yesterdays referendum on independence.
It is also criticised for aspects of its stadium and infrastructure proposals.
UEFA will announce the winning bids today and a successful result for Dublin would have substantial benefits for the city and the country as a whole.
Accommodations
In total the tournament will be spread across 13 cities with 19 bids having been made to host. Political and regional accommodations will likely form part of the final decision making process but on a full reading of the bid document places Ireland’s prospects in a very favourable light.
While impressive in all other aspects even the English bid to host the finals at Wembley falls short of the mark with regard to the fan zone and promotion.
The UEFA report states that England has presented ‘a satisfactory proposal for the fan zone although not in a central location.’
It goes on to state that ‘the guarantee in relation to promotion at national level and for fan zones in non-host cities is very weak.’
Imaginative
That compares to the statement on the FAI bid as having ‘presented very good potential locations for the fan zone and imaginative proposals on its implementation.
The reference to promotion at national level is rated as strong.
There has been criticism of FAI CEO John Delaney in some quarters over recent personalised coverage but he has overseen the pulling together of a bid which is highly impressive and looks very likely to result in another major boost for sporting Ireland and the wider economy.
You can download a copy of the full UEFA evaluation report here and we look forward to welcoming you back for the decision later.
