The Danish football association DBU has confirmed that Nordic nations Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland intend to bid to jointly host football’s European Championship in 2024 or 2028.
According to the DBU, the matches will be dispersed across four nations with a clear focus on the efforts of volunteer work in football, financial and environmental sustainability and the importance of football to the welfare of children.
“The European Championship is one of the largest events in the world of football and it’s fantastic for everyone who loves the game,” said Jesper Møller, the head of DBU.
“To host one of Europe’s biggest sporting events has a massive impact for all aspects of Danish football and Denmark in general. Not only for the fans, but for the clubs, volunteers and others who will take part in organising such a huge event. It would provide a huge lift to Danish football many years before and after the tournament.”
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A trial tourney
Aside from games being played in Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland, the bid also aims to include events in Iceland and the Faroe Islands.
The heads of the Nordic nations’ football associations are also looking into the possibility of a joint Nordic bid for another UEFA or FIFA tournament before the Euro tournament as a kind of trial tournament.
The bid process is expected to take place in 2018, but the Nordic countries are already gearing for initial preparations, which will include a meeting in Greenland in August.
Denmark is already scheduled to host four matches during Euro 2020, which will be played across 13 nations in Europe.
The news comes in the wake of the DBU’s heavy criticism of the human rights situation in Qatar regarding the nation hosting the World Cup in 2022.
Tough opposition
Already in the running to host Euro 2024 are Germany, Turkey and the Netherlands.
The only other country in the running to host Euro 2028 is England, which has reportedly struck a deal with the German FA to support each others’ bids.
