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Second sponsor for Euro 2008 bid
25/07/2002
Diageo, the international drinks firm, is the second major sponsor to announce its backing for the Scotland-Ireland bid to host the Euro 2008 championship.
The company, which makes both Scotch whisky and Guinness, will provide a six figure sum to help the bid team convince the tournament organisers.
Sport Minister Mike Watson said: "The company has a strong association with both Scotland and Ireland and this partnership has a great synergy."
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said: The full support of the private sector is a strong element of the bid and we are delighted Diageo have committed their support to our bid."
British Telecom are the other major sponsor for Scotland and Ireland.
Rival bids have been received from Austria and Switzerland, Greece and Turkey, and Bosnia and Croatia. Russia and Hungary have submitted sole bids. The four Scandanavaina countries - Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and Finland - are also competing.
A short list will be drawn up in September and a final decision taken in December.
Official Euro 2008 website