The state of Bavaria, the city of Munich and FC Bayern have launched a proposal to the German FA (DFB) for the Allianz Arena to stage matches at Euro 2020. The bid was announced at a press conference on Thursday by Bavarian Minister President Horst Seehofer, Mayor of Munich Christian Ude, and Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.
“As we proved with the staging of the 2012 Champions League final, we're capable of welcoming the footballing world as likeable and good hosts," said Rummenigge. “In countless instances, Bavaria has proved she is a very tolerant host, and that's our strongest trump," added Seehofer.
Mayor Ude offered “express thanks" to FC Bayern for the “idea of initiating this bid.” The city, the state and the club were displaying “unparalleled solidarity," he continued.
Decision due in September 2014
The 2020 European championship will be the first not staged by one nation or two co-hosts, but will instead be spread around Europe in 13 cities and 13 countries. Munich is the first city to officially launch a bid. There are fundamentally two pitch options, Rummenigge explained. Either a city bids to host three group matches and one Round of 16 or quarter-final fixture, or one city is assigned both semi-finals and the final, “which would obviously be the absolute highlight," the FCB chairman noted.
The consortium is putting the Allianz Arena forward for both options. Over the next few months, the DFB will collect applications, before issuing an official tender document and selecting one German city to be presented to European governing body UEFA as the national contender. The host cities will be named in September 2014.
A touch of humility
“I'm thoroughly optimistic that Munich could be endorsed by the DFB," Rummenigge ventured. The other likely national contenders will be Berlin, Dortmund and Stuttgart, but only one city per nation will ultimately be selected. “So we must approach the matter with a touch of humility," said Rummenigge, “we're not arrogant, and we're not saying it's done and dusted. Instead, we'll work intensively and closely on this bid."
The Bayern chairman feels the Allianz Arena would be perfect for the Euro tournament, as proved by the 2006 World Cup and 2012 Champions League final. “Our arena meets the highest standards. We're very proud of our stadium," he said. The city of Munich and state of Bavaria also have “a lot to offer," commented Seehofer, “the mentality of our people, and our cosmopolitan attitude. Bavarians are very, very good hosts."
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