Council leader backs Murrayfield bid ahead of SFA decision

McVey has urged the Scottish FA to make “the right decision for the Tartan Army and for football fans across the whole of the country” by choosing Murrayfield, with the governing body expected to make a decision on whether to remain at Hampden or move to Edinburgh next week.

The 67,000 seater stadium is home to the Scotland rugby team but has experience of hosting football matches, with Hearts and Celtic both using the ground for ‘home’ fixtures in recent years.

McKay told the Edinburgh Council website: ““As the largest stadium in Scotland, BT Murrayfield routinely hosts some of the country’s highest profile sporting and cultural events, from the Six Nations to sell-out concerts. The extra capacity in and around the ground could generate significant sums for the betterment of the Scottish game, on and off the field, creating a home for our national sports to win together.

“The stadium is just a twenty-minute journey from the airport or five minutes to Princes Street by tram, which connects ticket-holders to Edinburgh Waverley and Haymarket train stations and the main bus station in St Andrew Square. The stadium has never been easier to get to.

“Here in Edinburgh, we are well used to providing a magnificent backdrop for international festivals and events, attracting millions of visitors each and every year.”

Hampden is set to host Scotland’s upcoming internationals, including a friendly with Belgium and a Nations League fixture against Albania. The stadium has also been chosen to host four matches during Euro 2020.