Stick or twist? UEFA to choose Germany or Turkey as Euro 2024 host

UEFA will select the host of the 2024 European Championship on Thursday in a vote pitting a safe German bid against a riskier Turkish proposal that offers a chance to explore new frontiers.

Germany, with its a long history of hosting major sporting events, has everything in place for a successful tournament, from stadiums to infrastructure and hotels, UEFA said in an evaluation last week.

Turkey, desperate to host its first ever major sporting event, boasts gleaming new stadiums and a football-mad fanbase.

But its economy is troubled, its transport network is lacking and, perhaps most importantly, the country's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has presided over an unprecedented crackdown that has prompted global concern over respect for human rights.

Germany has at times been bitterly critical of Turkey under Erdogan. And, by extraordinary coincidence, the Turkish leader will be in Germany on Thursday for a trip that includes talks with Chancellor Angela Merkel.

- 'Football can unify' -
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Germany's vision for Euro 2024, according to UEFA, "is rooted in the belief that football can unify society and this tournament can create an enduring legacy for European football."
- Erdogan's shadow -
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UEFA's evaluation report noted that "the lack of action plan in the area of human rights is a matter of concern."
But European football's governing body also praised the Turkish bid as being "in line with the long-term objectives of UEFA."
On human rights, he said Turkey is a "signatory on treaties concerning human rights and respects them."
- Germany the favourite? -
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