Swiss to stage U-21 finals

The Swiss Under-21 side celebrate after reaching the finals which they will now host Keystone

Switzerland will dispute next year's European Under-21 football championships on home soil after being awarded the right to host the event at a UEFA meeting on Thursday.

Switzerland’s candidature for the 2002 tournament appeared to benefit from a lack of serious interest among the other possible host nations, although UEFA president Lennart Johansson said the organisation had nevertheless been impressed by the Swiss bid.

“After looking at their record, it made sense to offer the organisation of the championship to the Swiss FA,” Johansson insisted following Thursday’s meeting at UEFA’s headquarters in Nyon.

Financial losses covered

Although happy to accept UEFA’s offer, the Swiss FA have sought to cover themselves against any major financial loss which might stem from the event. Following the Swiss concerns, UEFA have agreed to pay more than three-quarters of any losses incurred.

In November the Swiss Under-21s qualified for the European finals for the first time in their history, allowing them to make their bid to stage the event.

Four host cities

The cities of Geneva, Lausanne, Basel and Zurich will be used to host matches for the competition to be held in May next year. Basel’s St Jakob stadium is expected to stage the tournament final on May 28.

Besides the Swiss, seven other top nations will be competing at the finals – holders Italy, France, England, Portugal, Greece, Belgium and the Czech Republic.

The Under-21 event will be the biggest football tournament to be staged in Switzerland since the 1954 World Cup.

The Swiss FA are hoping that a successful Under-21 competition will help their joint bid with Austria to host the senior version in 2008.

swissinfo with agencies