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Wembley to host Euro 2020 final, semis

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IANS London

London's Wembley Stadium was Friday selected by Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) to host the final of Euro 2020.

After hearing the news in Geneva, Football Association (FA) chairman Greg Dyke said this will have a positive effect on English football, reports Xinhua.

"I am delighted Wembley Stadium and London have been awarded the right to stage the semi-finals and final of UEFA Euro 2020. It will be a great honour to be part of what will surely be a superb celebration of 60 years of the UEFA European Championship," he said.

"My thanks go to all our partners in the bid particularly the government, Greater London Authority and the Mayor of London and of course to UEFA president Michel Platini and the UEFA Executive Committee. I also congratulate all of the other successful bidding nations."

 

Wembley saw off a strong bid from Munich and its Allianz Arena to win the race to host Euro 2020's conclusion.

"This bidding process was open to more than 50 UEFA countries so for Wembley to be ultimately recognised in this way is testament to a lot of hard work behind the scenes," Dyke added.

"We are proud of the FA's bid and particularly its strong commitment to our 'football for everyone' goal. Making UEFA Euro 2020 a tournament that is open and inclusive was a huge focus."

Held every four years, the European Championship will be played as a 'Euro for Europe' in summer 2020 with 13 different cities staging matches across the continent as part of celebrations for the 60th anniversary of the competition.

In all, 24 teams will take part in the finals following a qualifying programme. England previously hosted the 1996 edition when they reached the semi-finals before losing on penalties to Germany at Wembley.

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First Published: Sep 19 2014 | 8:34 PM IST

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