Thu Jan 10 18:59:09 2008

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UEFA to discuss expanding Euro finals

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Berne, Switzerland (Sports Network) - UEFA will considering expanding the Euro Championship finals at the end of January, the organization said Thursday.

The final phase of the Euro event has consisted of 16 teams since 1996 but the field could expand to as many as 24, UEFA spokesman William Gaillard said.

"They have looked at different numbers and the overall effect of making such changes, including the possible effect on the qualifying round," Gaillard said.

Any changes to the tournament's format will not be made until at least 2016.

The Euro 2008 finals, co-hosted by Switzerland and Austria, start on June 7. The championship game is June 29.