FRANKFURT: Philipp Lahm, Germany’s 2014 World Cup-winning captain, will head up the hosting of Euro 2024 if the bid is preferred next month to that of Turkey by European federation UEFA writes KEIR RADNEDGE.

Lahm, who retired after winning 113 caps and became a bid ambassador, said: “It was my wish from the start of my activity as ambassador for the Euro 2024 bid to take over long-term responsibility.

“This new task as head of the tournament is a very exciting opportunity. During my time as a player and most recently in my role as ambassador, I have come to know the DFB as a very professional organisation. That is why I am very happy to be a part of this team.

“Working together with the bid committee, I will do all I can in the coming weeks to bring EURO 2024 to Germany.”

The DFB said it was important to tie Lahm to the association on a long-term basis and the decision had wide support among board members.

Lahm would be following in the footsteps of Franz Beckenbauer, the greatest German player, who captained the World Cup winners in 1974 and was head of the organising committee of the 2006 World Cup. That did not end well with Beckenbauer’s reputation battered by revelations of a bid campaign financial scandal.

DFB president Reinhard Grindel said: “Philipp Lahm did an outstanding and engaged job as ambassador and I am convinced that this will also be the case after September 27 when UEFA’s executive committee makes its decision.”

Germany is  favourites to win host rights though its confidence was shaken after the storm surrounding Mesut Ozil after the recent World Cup failure.

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