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French soccer boss says Euro 2016 to be "extraordinary"

Xinhua, April 30, 2015 Adjust font size:

President of the French Football Federation (FFF) Noel Le Graet told local media recently that Euro 2016 will be "extraordinary", and that preparations are well advanced.

The 73-year-old, elected as president in June 2011, got interviewed with Alsace newspaper DNA earlier this week and made some comment on next year's European Championships slated on June 10-July 10 in 10 cities of France.

"The stadiums are ready. Lyon is a little bit behind, but the stadium will be finished on time," said Le Graet.

"This organization is extraordinary for French football," he added. "It is regrettable that the East and West, Strasbourg and Rennes, these two cities, were not considered to be candidates to improve their stadiums.

"Bringing 24 nations to our country for a month, with worldwide broadcasts, is very important for France in terms of image.

"Teams are also followed by their supporters and sponsors. With the tourism, it will bring something economically," he continued.

Euro 2016 will be the first edition of the continental soccer tournament that participants in the final stage raised from 16 to 24 nations. Endite