UEFA may expand Euro championship

Nyon, Switzerland:

UEFA will consider the possibility of expanding the European Championship finals from 16 teams to 24. Though European soccer's governing body insisted on Friday its executive committee had not discussed the issue on Thursday or Friday, it did say the idea would be studied. UEFA said different formats needed to be analyzed as well as when such a change could be implemented, should the proposal be adopted. UEFA said Scotland suggested the idea of expanding the championship a few weeks ago and was supported by Sweden, Latvia and Ireland. From 1960-1976 the European Championship final included only four teams. It was expanded to eight teams in 1980 then to 16 in 1996. Italy is seeking to host the continental championship in 2012 against joint bids from Croatia and Hungary, as well as Poland and Ukraine. UEFA is due to select the venue in April next year. (AP)