Planet Swans ArchivesThe joint bid could also see changes to the Liberty Stadium, including the capacity issue that has been discussed in recent months and years as to whether the stadium – opened in 2005 – is sufficient should the Swans take a further step up the league ladder.
Scotland has previously applied to host Euro 2008 – currently being played in Austria and Switzerland – with Ireland but that was rejected but Scottish first minister Alex Salmond believes that a potential Scottish and Welsh bid would be more favourably met by officials.
And any potential bid has been backed by Wales first minister Rhodri Morgan who said “The bid must start with the FAW and SFA deciding this is something they want to take forward jointly.
“They would then come to us to support the bid. Alex Salmond and I are due to have one of our regular meetings soon and will be able to discuss then whether the basics are in place to take this forward.”
On the stadium issue FAW secretary David Collins said “The Scottish and Welsh Assembly governments would welcome the option.
“If you look at Wales, the Millennium Stadium is state of the art and one of the best in Europe – it’s classed as an elite stadium under European rules.
“The Liberty Stadium would also be state of the art as would Cardiff’s new stadium.
“If the governmental will is there to redevelop the stadiums and increase the seating capacity in the Liberty and Cardiff’s new stadium, there is a possibility of a joint bid for 2012" he added in reference to Scotland's bid possibly being four years earlier should Poland and Ukraine – current planned hosts – be unable to host the tournament after both have expressed doubts.
