Geneva, Switzerland (World Wide Gamble) - France beat out both Italy and Turkey to be named as hosts of Euro 2016 it was announced on Friday. The competition will be the first European championship to feature a 24-team format, which is an increase from the current 16-team field. UEFA president Michel Platini made the announcement as Italy was eliminated in the first ballot by the UEFA Executive Committee members, while France beat out Turkey in the final round of voting. "I want first to thank our friends from Italy and Turkey; I feel for them and the feelings of frustration and sadness after months of work and I wish Italian and Turkish football good luck," French Football Federation (FFF) president Jean-Pierre Escalettes told uefa.com. "For us it is a moment of intense emotions, given that in 2016 we will welcome European football to France. We will fulfill our promises and we thank our friends on the Executive Committee at UEFA. They have put their trust in us and that's what counts for us. This is a beautiful day for us." The competition will be the first major tournament hosted by France since the 1998 World Cup. The French have also hosted the World Cup in 1938 as well as the 1984 European championship. |
