Having consulted with the Government, the Hungarian Football Association (MLSZ) is applying to provide one of the venues for the 2020 UEFA European Championships, announced Chairman of the MLSZ Sándor Csányi on Tuesday. At a press conference held jointly with Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and President of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Michel Platini, Mr. Csányi said that the Ferenc Puskás Stadium could serve as a venue for certain matches during the tournament. UEFA President Michel Platini said that he welcomed Hungary’s participation at a tender to co-host such a large-scale sports event.

At the meeting, the UEFA President and Prime Minister Orbán signed the MLSZ venue development plan, which has received the approval of the Government. According to the plan, HUF 40 billion (over 130 million euros) will be spent on stadium renovation until 2016. Prime Minister Orbán noted that at his personal request, in contrast to malicious rumours, the Ferenc Puskás Football Academy established in his home town of Felcsút would not be receiving development funding.

At the press conference, UEFA President Michel Platini mentioned that the international sporting body was taking a very firm stance to clear sporting events from all forms of racism, for which the Hungarian Prime Minister has assured his fullest support and declared that the Hungarian Football Association would take all necessary action. In closing, the Prime Minister stressed that it is important that sports events are viewed as peaceful events that bring citizens and families together and at which racist, verbal or non-verbal aggression are not tolerated.

(Prime Minister’s Office)