UEFA members back multi-host Euro 2020 plan

NYON, Switzerland (AP) -- Soccer leaders from across Europe tell The Associated Press they want UEFA to organize the 2020 European Championship in up to 13 host countries.

UEFA's executive committee meets Thursday and could agree in principle to support President Michel Platini's multi-nation hosting plan, which he floated during Euro 2012.

Germany FA president Wolfgang Niersbach tells AP the idea was supported during recent consultation meetings with UEFA's 53 member countries.

Georgia, which wanted to co-host Euro 2020 with Azerbaijan, also supports a "big project" to mark the competition's 60th anniversary, says its soccer president Domenti Sichinava.

Netherlands official Harry Been says "a lot of small countries should have a chance" to host matches in the 24-team tournament.