The Football Association of Wales [FAW] has confirmed that it has submitted a bid for Cardiff to be chosen as one of the 13 host cities for the 2020 European Football Championships (“EURO 2020”).
Cardiff’s 74,154 capacity Millennium Stadium – an award winning UEFA category 5 stadium – is at the heart of the FAW’s bid to secure a package of matches consisting of three group games plus either a last 16 or a quarter final match. The FAW’s bid has the full support of a host of key stakeholders including the Welsh Government, Cardiff Council, the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff & Bristol Airports, and the key rail & bus operators.
Jonathan Ford, Chief Executive of the FAW said:
“The FAW is thrilled to submit its UEFA EURO 2020 bid and we believe that we have a strong and compelling proposition. The Millennium Stadium, with a capacity of almost 75,000 as well as 100 hospitality boxes, would generate a significant financial contribution for UEFA.
“In terms of transport, our bid is supported by both Cardiff and Bristol airports who have signed service level agreements outlining their delivery of UEFA’s EURO 2020 tournament requirements. Both airports are able to operate 24 hours a day and are easily accessible from Cardiff city centre. By 2020, rail links to London will be down to just 90 minutes and when you also consider Birmingham, the FAW is able to offer four international airports within two hours of Cardiff, thus providing UEFA and all UEFA EURO 2020 spectators with multiple airport options to choose from.
“All UEFA EURO 2020 ticket holders will also benefit from free travel on buses and trains including the transport connections linking Cardiff city centre with both Cardiff and Bristol airports. We have a strong accommodation plan with the majority of UEFA’s own accommodation requirements located within walking distance of the Millennium Stadium. Through working with our numerous accommodation partners, the FAW is also able to offer UEFA EURO 2020 spectators with a choice of 41,000 beds, all located within an hour of Cardiff and in locations covered by the FAW’s free travel offer.”
Jonathan Ford added that legacy is an important focus of the bid plans, saying:
“In order to help ensure a lasting positive impact from hosting this prestigious tournament, the FAW will create a UEFA EURO 2020 Legacy Fund, into which the FAW will reinvest the surplus it generates from staging UEFA EURO 2020. This legacy fund will be used to support grass roots Welsh football and will have a positive impact on communities throughout Wales.”
