Three-nation Euro 2020 bid considered

Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland have formally declared an interest in hosting Euro 2020.

The countries have told UEFA they would be interested in bidding to host the European Championships on a joint basis. Turkey have also informed UEFA they want to host the tournament, and reports in Georgia claim the former Soviet republic is interested in a solo bid.

"The FAI has confirmed that it will join the Scottish FA and the Welsh FA in putting forward an expression of interest to host UEFA Euro 2020," the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) said in a statement.

"The expression of interest is preliminary after the principle was discussed and is being put forward by the three associations so that the opportunity can be explored in more detail.

"At this stage no bids would be expected or required by UEFA for at least 18 months."

The Scottish FA issued a similar statement, saying: "We can confirm that we have had initial discussions on the principle of a joint bid with both Wales and the Republic of Ireland and have declared our interest to UEFA in order that we can fully explore the opportunity in more detail.

"At this stage no bids are expected by UEFA in relation to Euro 2020. These will not be required for at least 18 months."

Jonathan Ford, the chief executive of the Football Association of Wales, stressed the countries had not yet submitted a bid.

Ford told the Press Association: "It is not a bid, it's a declaration of interest and that will allow us to obtain the information from UEFA so that we can fully assess and determine, independently and together, whether we should submit a bid."

Bidders would need to put forward up to 10 stadiums to host matches in the European Championships, which is being expanded from 16 teams to 24 from 2016. Scotland and Wales would struggle to provide that number of stadiums to satisfy UEFA requirements but Ireland's involvement would cover the shortfall.