Turkey Wants To Stage European Championships And Olympics In One Year

UEFA President Michel Platini reportedly questioned Turkey's ability to host both events in the same year. He said, "I heard what the Prime Minister said and we will see what countries present bids. Turkey had a strong bid in 2016 and I think they will be even stronger in 2020.

"Now the only small issue I have in respect to this is that in 2020 Istanbul is also a candidate for the Olympics so if they have the Olympics and the Euros, it's maybe a bit of a handful".

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is to elect the host city for the 2020 Games next September. Istanbul is competing against Doha, Madrid, Tokyo and Baku.

Platini said, "honestly, if Istanbul already has the Olympics before then, I won't vote for Turkey because it is impossible to have the Olympic Games and the Euros in the same month in the same city. That's my position".

Meanwhile Istanbul 2020 officials said the country's support for the Olympics remain guaranteed despite a likely Euro 2020 bid.

In an e-mail to GamesBids.com, the bid committee said, "Turkey's President, Prime Minister and Sports Minister have repeatedly reiterated that Istanbul 2020 is a strategic national priority, and a personal passion. Every level of government and every party is aligned behind this bid; the Olympic and Paralympic Games are seen as a crucial stimulus for Turkey's national development strategy. Should Turkey bid for Euro 2020, that level of commitment will remain guaranteed".