Platini to Expand Euro Championship

UEFA president Michele Platini wants to expand the European Championships after the Euro 2008 tournament. The event currently has 16 sides, but Platini hinted the competition would be more entertaining with as much as 54 teams playing.

“Remember, I won the Euros when there were only eight teams,” said Platini. “It is not certain it was better with eight teams than 16 or that 16 is better than 24 or 32 or 54.

“I am not worried about the quality by increasing the number of teams. Countries like England, Denmark, Scotland, Ireland, Belgium, Serbia, Ukraine and Bulgaria all have the ability to participate in a European Championship.

“Would they reduce the quality of the Euro? I believe they have the quality to take part, yes sincerely, there are teams that could be at the Euro and even enhance the quality of the competition.”

I wonder if Platini actually takes into consideration that teams like Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool play up to 50+ games per season which means their players would be in need of a much earned rest.

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