Euro 2020: Istanbul (TUR) on "the top the list" to host semi-finals and final

"In a face-to-face conversation, Michel Platini promised us that if we did not get the Olympic Games we will surely have the final package," said Emre Alkin, general secretary of the Turkish Football Federation about the 2020 Euro, to be held in 13 cities in 13 countries affiliated to UEFA (Union of European Football Associations), on the 18/09/2013.

"We are on the top of the list, without doubt, but we expect three or four countries to compete for the main package," said Emre Alkin. Turkey is bidding for the matches with Olympic Istanbul Atatürk Stadium (78,000 seats).

UEFA announced the official list of formal applicants to host matches at Euro 2020, on the 20/09/2013, after the meeting of its executive committee in Dubrovnik (CRO).

Istanbul's candidacy has raised a keen interest in Turkey, especially since the city has failed to host the Olympic Summer Games in 2020: the IOC (International Olympic Committee) appointed Tokyo on the 07/09/2013.

Next steps:

• April-May 2014: Submission of applications and the beginning of the evaluation phase
• September 2014: Appointment of the 13…