Hosts France to be included in Euro 2016 qualifying draw

I’ve not seen this mentioned in the media a great deal, but UEFA have announced that the hosts of Euro 2016, France, will be included in the qualifying groups to make up the numbers.
France will still automatically qualify as hosts, so effectively the 5 teams in their group will play home and away friendlies against them (no points will be award for the fixtures).

An interesting change I thought.

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/euro-2016-hosts-france-to-take-part-in-qualifying--but-no-points-will-be-awarded-9081196.html

Seems a bit pointless doesn't it?

I don't get the reasoning.

Never mind, I just realised its qualifying. Don't know what I was thinking.

I'm now with Arkay, what actually is the point?

I suppose this way the host team still competes in a sense because they could still get an indication of how they would have performed if the games had been competitive as they are within one of the groups. It also stops one of the groups having less teams. But if I was one of the teams facing them I'm not sure I would want the fixture?

When is the draw for the 2016 qualifying groups?

just found out that the draw takes place on the 23rd of February, 2014.
This will be the best chance yet for Wales to qualify for a major tournament. :cup: 

I agree, it's certainly our best chance. Can't wait for the draw now, I'm hoping to go to three of the away games this time around!

could it be a change of thinking by uefa? a hint that all participants may have to qualify in future?

Would be difficult to sell a tournament if the host country wasn't taking part.

Deffo. If they failed to qualify I'd imagine the atmosphere would drop a notch or two.