Last Updated on 7 Feb 2022 1:06 pm (UK Time)
The five Football Associations of England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland have confirmed their intention to jointly host Euro 2028.
There hasn’t been an international football tournament held solely in the UK since England hosted the Euros in 1996, however, there were group games held at Wembley and Scotland’s Hampden Park in last Summer’s delayed Euro 2020, with Wembley also holding both semi-finals and the final.
Ireland were supposed to host games in the competition that spanned 12 countries, but Covid restrictions saw them played elsewhere.
A bid for the Euro 2028 games also ends the intention for the five countries to bid for the World Cup in 2030, an FA statement confirmed.
“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 UEFA EURO 2028, the third largest sports event in the world.
“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 UEFA EURO 2028, and have agreed not to bid for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
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“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.
“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.”
The UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson had previously stated his desire to “bring football home”, whilst Chancellor Rishi Sunak had set aside £2.8m to invest in the 2030 World Cup bid.
England may have struggles in convincing UEFA that they are worthy of hosting an international tournament, following the chaotic scenes that ensued at July’s Euro 2020 final.
They were handed a two-match stadium ban, with one of those suspended for two years, meaning no fans will attend their opening Nations League fixture.
UEFA said the punishment was for a “lack of order and discipline inside and around the stadium” and also fined the English Football Association €100,000.
