FRANKFURT: Wembley is emerging as an ever-stronger favourite to host the climactic stages of the European Championship in the 2020 after the German federation prepared dropping its Munich candidacy to concentrate on a nationwide bid for the finals in 2024 writes KEIR RADNEDGE.

The DFB may now run Munich ‘only’ for group games at Euro 2020 which European federation UEFA is planning to stage in 13 different countries to mark the 60th anniversary of the tournament.

Only Wembley and Munich’s Allianz Arena had put in bids to host the climax of the competition – the semi-finals and final – ahead of the vote on September 19.  The thin nature of the field raised further general questions about the popularity of the concept of hosting mega events.

DFB president Wolfgang Niersbach saidd: “We still have the two options – to host the final rounds or four matches in the first rounds.

“Our decision is open. We have an excellent and wonderful relationship with the England FA. We are sitting together very often and thinking about the possibilities of how we can support the other association.

“It is still open but I am totally convinced that we will have both Wembley and Munich on the land map for Euro 2020.

“Discussions on the final round are still open. But we are very relaxed about it.”

Niersbach also confirmed that Germany would bid for Euro 2024 – when they will be up against Turkey – which would be the first major men’s football tournament the country has hosted since its hugely successful World Cup in 2006.

“I officially announced already at our general assembly in October 2013 that we want to host Euro 2024,” he added.

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