PARIS (AFP) - UEFA are to consider expanding the European
championships from 16 to 24 teams at their congress in Zagreb at
the end of this month.
In a statement on Thursday European football's governing body
explained: "At UEFA's Congress in Dusseldorf last year member
associations voted on the proposal of a feasability study into the
expansion of the competition.
"Since the 1996 edition in England the final phase of the Euro has
comprised 16 teams."
In Dusseldorf Michel Platini, in his first press conference since
taking over as UEFA president, said: "My answer is clear.
"We cannot consider making it 24 without taking account of the
qualification system. The qualification system is a great deal more
important than the wishes of this or that association.
"But for now, nothing's decided. A study is in progress."
