The UK and Ireland have confirmed their five football associations will put in a joint bid to host Euro 2028.
But a plan to host the 2030 World Cup will not go any further, with the English, Scottish, Welsh and both Irish FAs confirming they will focus soley on the bid to host the Euros in 2028.
A statement from the associations read: “Following an extensive feasibility study, which assessed the potential opportunities in international football, the football associations of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland have agreed to focus on a bid to host Euro 2028, the third-largest sports event in the world.
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“The feasibility study included an analysis of the economic impact, the political football landscape and likely costs of hosting major international tournaments.
“On balance, the five associations have decided to focus solely on an official bid to host Euro 2028 and have agreed not to bid for the 2030 World Cup.
“Hosting a Euro offers a similar return on investment, with the European tournament carrying a far lower delivery cost and the potential of the benefits being realised sooner.
“It would be an honour and a privilege to collectively host Euro 2028 and to welcome all of Europe. It would also be a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate the true impact of hosting a world-class football tournament by driving positive change and leaving a lasting legacy across our communities.
“We believe the UK and the Republic of Ireland can offer UEFA and European football something special in 2028 – a compact and unique five-way hosting collaboration that will provide a great experience for the teams and the fans.
“We continue to collaborate with our Government partners of the UK and Ireland about the next steps.”
It is expected that the tournament could have expanded from 24 to 32 teams by 2028, making a five-nation bid more attractive to UEFA. Matches would be held in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland under the joint 2028 bid, although venues have not yet been confirmed.
England and Scotland hosted games during the delayed Euro 2020 tournament, held last year, although crowd trouble marred games at Wembley, including the final.
The Republic of Ireland was due to hold Euro 2020 games in Dublin but the FAI pulled out as a host venue due to coronavirus measures.
England hosted the 1996 tournament which included games at St James' Park, Newcastle, a venue that has also hosted Olympic football and is due to hold Rugby League World Cup games later this year.
England is due to host the 2022 Women's Euros, although no stadiums in the North East are included in the bid.
