The tour ended with the delegation inspecting Ibrox where Scotland's First Minister Jack McConnell and the Irish Taoiseach Bertie Ahern signed a joint letter to UEFA. The letter said: "We would like to take this opportunity to reassure you about the four additional stadiums required for 2008. Both the Irish and Scottish Governments are fully committed to providing all the stadiums necessary for this world class tournament. During your visit you have heard our plans in detail and you can be assured that these new stadiums will be modern with all the facilities you have specified and that they will match or exceed your required capacities. We are determined to do all that we can to support the bid by the SFA and FAI for Euro 2008. This is an unrivalled opportunity for our two countries to host the world's third largest sports event." Lars-Christer Olsson, UEFA's Director of Professional Football and Marketing, said: "We are very happy with what we have seen in Ireland and Scotland. It has met all our requirements; we had high expectations and they have been absolutely met." Olsson went on to briefly copmment on the joint letter from the heads of government when he said: "It is good to have reassurances from the highest level, and we don't doubt them." Scotland 2008? - WHY THE HELL NOT! | |||
Ger Harley (ger@scottishfitba.net) |
