MY ACCOUNT
The football associations of England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland have confirmed their joint bid to host Euro 2028 and are expected to be awarded the tournament.
UEFA’s deadline for an expression of interest is today and it is believed no rival bids have been submitted.
Russia were expected to be in the running but the invasion of Ukraine and the resulting international condemnation has ruled out the country.
Euro 2020 champions Italy are believed to have switched their focus to Euro 2032, leaving Turkey as potential hosts, although UEFA have received no indication that a bid is incoming.
UEFA will announce the candidates on April 5. And if the UK and Ireland are the only applicants, they will be given the seal of approval just two days later.
A joint statement said: “The football associations of England, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Scotland and Wales have today submitted a joint expression of interest to host Euro 2028.
“The submission, an important step in UEFA’s bidding process for Euro 2028, follows a feasibility study evaluating the hosting opportunities and local benefits of organising major international football events.
“The governments of the UK, Ireland, Scotland and Wales have confirmed their support for the 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 Euros, 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 the UK amd Ireland.
“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 the UK and Ireland.
“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 UK and Ireland 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.”
The tournament is expected to see 32 entrants for the first time in European Championship history, which will likely mean mirroring the current World Cup format.
