Countries agree to Euro expansion in unofficial poll

The European Championships expansion from 16 to 24 teams is more likely than ever as a majority of UEFA member states voted yes in an unofficial poll.

If the expansion is to happen, it will not affect the 2012 tournament but it will add another eight teams to Euro 2012.

UEFA Chairman Michel Platini says to be happy about the positive response: “This will be good for football. I’m not afraid that the quality will suffer from the expansion. Countries as England, Denmark, Scotland, Ireland, Belgium, Serbia, Ukraine and Bulgaria all have the qualities to participate.”

The final decision will be made at the official UEFA meeting in Bordeaux, France, on September 24th and 25th.

During that meeting, a decision will also be made on whether Poland and Ukraine keep the responsibilities of hosting the tournament in 2012.