FA Bids for Wembley to Host 2020 European Championship Final

While anticipation continues to build worldwide for this summer's 2014 World Cup, Euro 2020 isn't all that far off and will be unique in that it will take place across the continent. 

In an effort to secure hosting rights for the 2020 European Championship semifinals and final or multiple group matches, the Football Association has submitted a bid to UEFA for Wembley Stadium, according to BBC Sport.

FA general secretary Alex Horne explained the organisation's objective, via BBC Sport:

"

We are bidding for either of the two packages available and, with our recent experience of hosting two UEFA Champions League finals in the last four years, we believe that Wembley Stadium and London represent a strong bid for UEFA to consider to mark the tournament's 60th anniversary.

We recognise UEFA is considering many strong bids from a number of candidate cities and we welcome the opportunity to put forward our bid.

"

UEFA officials will announce the 13 host cities for Euro 2020 on Sept. 19, per BBC Sport.

According to the BBC Sport report, Wales and Scotland have also submitted bids to host group matches as UEFA officials announced last December that the 2020 European Championship would be contested in more than a dozen cities throughout the continent. 

As the Associated Press' Rob Harris notes, Wembley's successful history of hosting marquee football events makes it a strong contender to host the European Championship final:

The FAI is also expected to submit a bid this month, adding to the competitiveness.

BBC Sport reports that several countries have dropped out of the bidding competition, including Euro 2012 hosts Poland. Portugal and the Czech Republic have also fallen by the wayside.  

Martin Rose/Getty Images

But with a plethora of other cities and venues submitting bids this spring, there's no telling who will win out. And with a decision roughly five months away, football fans will have no choice but to remain patient.

For now, it appears that Wembley has a tremendous chance of succeeding in its bid as the venue has hosted some massive matches in the past, including two UEFA Champions League finals since 2011. Not to mention the stadium, which is located in one of the world's premier cities, holds close to 90,000 spectators.

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