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Michel Platini claims a pan-continental Euro 2020 will be good for fans

Image: Michel Platini: Pan-continental Euro 2020 will be good for fans

Michel Platini has claimed the pan-continental Euro 2020 will be good for fans - and gave a boost to British hopes of hosting some matches.

"I think this would create a very special atmosphere among the supporters and it will be a week of national teams and it could be a great party." Platini said FIFA president Sepp Blatter had congratulated him on the Euro 2020 idea - and that he is succeeding where the late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi failed. Gaddafi had suggested moving the African Nations Cup around the continent, and Platini said: "I got congratulations from the president of FIFA, he said it is a marvellous idea. He said somebody wanted to do it a few years ago with the African Nations Cup and it was Gaddafi." He also hit back at criticism from FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke pointing out that the world governing body had ratified Japan and Mexico playing in South American competitions. "FIFA accepts Mexico and Japan taking part in the Copa America and that is much more against the spirit than what we are suggesting," said Platini. The UEFA president also insisted he wants to support the Europa League rather than scrap it - an interview he gave to a French newspaper last week led to reports UEFA are considering getting rid of the tournament and having a 64-club Champions League. He added: "All I said is that there is a reflection going on to figure out what shape we want - we are discussing it, nothing is decided. "I never said I am going to stop the Europa League. We have to look at all 53 countries and I believe the Europa League is great and that we need to support it and continue with it. It is a very popular competition. "I am never going to organise competition for money's sake, only in the interests of football."

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