Israel will not host the Uefa Euro 2011 Under 21 Championships finals after being pipped to the post by Denmark.

Israel had been favourites to host the tournament as part of Uefa’s policy of supporting emerging footballing nations. However, with Europe still expected to be in recession in 2011, the effects of the credit crunch persuaded the executive to select Denmark, which has larger stadiums, and being in the heart of Europe, will attract more fans, maximising revenue from ticket sales and advertising.

“The fact that we were chosen to compete with Denmark out of 14 countries who originally applied to host Euro 2011 was an achievement in itself,” said Israel FA Chairman Avi Luzon. “But we must strive to improve our stadiums so that we will be chosen for future tournaments.”
Despite missing out on the event, Israel will host the Uefa Congress in 2010.

The spring meet will produce a significant windfall for Tel Aviv hotels as Uefa President Michel Platini and Fifa President Sepp Blatter will lead a guest list of 500 officials from Europe’s 53 member organisations including the heads of the FA at Uefa’s most important annual meeting.