English FA to bid for Euro 2020 final - Gill

24 May 2013 17:47

English Football Association vice-chairman David Gill on Friday admitted his organisation are set to bid for the right to host the Euro 2020 final and semi-finals.

Gill, who is standing down as Manchester United chief executive after 10 years, was elected to UEFA's executive committee on Friday and now he is also set to spearhead the FA's bid to stage the finale of Euro 2020, which is to be played in 12 different countries around Europe.

The 55-year-old believes Saturday's Champions League final at Wembley between Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund will showcase why England is the perfect venue for the biggest matches in the European Championships.

"The FA have lodged an interest and I am sure we will put in a bid," Gill said.

"I'm sure we will see a great final tomorrow night and showcase Wembley again.

"It's one of the largest stadiums in world football, in London, so without doubt I am sure England will put forward a very, very strong bid - which will be Wembley clearly - to be involved with those finals in seven years' time."

Gill will remain a United director but insists his club duties will be comparatively small in his new position.

"I am staying on the football club board but that is more of an ambassadorial role," he said.

"If you look at it now, any player business that's happening at Manchester United this summer will be done by my successor, Ed Woodward, and the new manager and that frees up a lot of time.

"I have thought about it long and hard and I understand coming on to these bodies, the FA and UEFA, you have to put the time and the effort in and I will do so to ensure that I can deliver not only for England but for the 53 countries."

Source: AFP