Turkey’s Euro 2016 bid given government cash boost 01/02/2010 |
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Turkey’s bid to host the European Championships in 2016 has been handed a huge boost after the Government promised to invest $1.4bn to build and upgrade stadia – and a further $38bn to improve the country’s infrastructure.
Turkish prime minister Tayyip Erdogan has pledged the money to help build six new venues in Ankara, Antalya, Bursa, Eskişehir, Izmir and Konya if the country is awarded the tournament.
Istanbul’s Atatürk Olympic Stadium is due for a major renovation, while the Türk Telekom Arena and the Kadir Has Stadium would also be revamped to satisfy Uefa requirements.
Meanwhile, a $38bn six-year infrastructure improvement programme will be launched even if the Turkish bid fails, with investment made in areas such as telecoms, the railway network, airports and hotels.
Turkey is bidding against Italy and France for the right to stage Euro 2016.
Turkish Football Federation president Mahmut Özgener said: "From the very outset of the bidding process, we have obtained all necessary guarantees from the national Government, host cities and other stakeholders.
“The constructive and successful process underlines the dedication of Turkey’s prime minister and his entire government to help host this major football event.
“This is the strongest asset of our bid and an example of how an entire nation can pull together to get a major project done.
“With these commitments having been signed, Turkey is more than ready to host the European Championship in 2016.”
The three countries must hand their bid dossiers to Uefa by February 15 before making final presentations to European football’s governing body on May 27 and May 28.
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