Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Mark Donlon

Ireland and UK set to be named joint hosts of Euro 2028 as no rival bids emerge

Ireland look set to play their part in hosting Euro 2028 alongside the UK as it has emerged that no other bids are on the table ahead of Wednesday's deadline.

Unless there is an unlikely last-ditch bid from another country, Uefa will appoint reland, England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland as tournament hosts on April 7.

A deadline of December 2022 will also be set as a cut-off point for receit of the necessary government guarantees. Should those not be handed over in time, Uefa will re-open the bidding for the tournament.

Russia had also been weighing up a bid for Euro 2028, however that has since been abandoned following the country's invasion of Ukraine.

It is anticipated that Uefa will expand the tournament from 24 teams at Euro 2024 in Germany to 32 teams for 2028.

However, under Uefa’s rules for co-hosting it is likely that none of the five host nations will qualify automatically.

In a previous statement concerning Ireland's involvement in the bid, the FAI said: "It would be an honour and a privilege to collectively host UEFA 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.

FAI Chief Executive Jonathan Hill and Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny pictured at contract announcement at Abbotstown (©INPHO/Evan Treacy)

"We believe the Republic of Ireland and the UK 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."

GAA director general Tom Ryan previously detailed how the FAI had included Croke Park in a feasibility study for the original World Cup 2030 bid - and commented that the GAA would co-operate similarly to aid a Euro 2028 bid.

He said: "We spoke to the FAI in the context of a 2030 bid.

"They did ask if we were happy with the idea that Croke Park was included in a feasibility study at the time. We took it to the board and made sure people were happy with that.

"There were meetings and people did visit the ground to have a look and do what they needed to appraise at that stage.

"That's really where it is to be honest. That was in the context of 2030 rather than 2028. The same principles will apply."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.