The FAI have confirmed they have submitted an expression of interest to host Euro 2028 as part of an Ireland and UK bid.
The FAI released a statement today confirming “The Football Associations of Ireland, England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales have today submitted a joint Expression of Interest to host UEFA EURO 2028”.
However what looked like a clear run at hosting the championship now seems unlikely as Turkey have also submitted an expression of interest.
While Russia are planning to enter a similar bid. Russian clubs and national sides are currently banned from competing across world football.
An executive committee meeting supported a Russian bid to host the Euros in 2028 or 2032.
The joint FAI statement read;
“The Governments of Ireland, the UK, Scotland and Wales have confirmed their support for the expression of interest (EOI) submission and, given the Northern Ireland Executive is currently not meeting formally, officials there continue to observe the process closely. With this unique partnership, we are taking the appropriate next steps and our ambition is to stage a successful UEFA EURO which will be a wonderful celebration of football for fans and teams.
We believe EURO 2028 would be one of the greatest sporting events ever held in Ireland & the UK. This unprecedented partnership of five associations offers something special to European football, including the potential for an expanded tournament, and we are passionate about maximising the sustainability and legacy benefits for communities across Ireland and the UK.
Over the coming months, we will develop our proposals further, subject to the publication by UEFA of the full technical specification. This includes engaging in discussions with possible host cities and stadia to define the optimum tournament model, and conducting a full costs and benefits analysis. The Ireland & UK bid will offer an unrivalled tournament from a technical perspective – with modern, well-connected stadia and excellent infrastructure – that makes our partnership ideal to host EURO 2028.
Football must do everything possible to show how our sport can be a force for good – now, more than ever. We are resolute in our belief in the power of football to help bring people together.
We now look forward to receiving further tournament requirements and continuing our constructive dialogue with UEFA to advance our bid plans.
CO-SIGNED BY FOOTBALL ASSOCIATIONS OF IRELAND, ENGLAND, NORTHERN IRELAND, SCOTLAND AND WALES
