March 28 – The vehicle for delivering UEFA EURO 2028 is now in place, with UK & Ireland 2028 Limited officially up and running as the body overseeing the tournament across the five host nations.
With the Football Associations of England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland as shareholders, the company has been tasked with ensuring the tournament is delivered in line with UEFA’s hosting agreement.
FA Chair Debbie Hewitt will lead the board, continuing her role after fronting the UK & Ireland’s successful bid, which was confirmed by UEFA last October. She will be backed by an experienced trio of independent non-executive directors: Sports law expert Susan Ahern brings legal and regulatory expertise, England international Tyrone Mings offers a player’s perspective, and former Tesco and Marks & Spencer CFO Alan Stewart strengthens the board with his commercial and financial acumen.
The announcement also confirmed that Chris Bryant, who masterminded the successful bid and played a key role in the record-breaking UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 in England, will take on the role of managing director. The board will also feature the chief executives of the five host Football Associations, with UK and Irish government representatives sitting in as observers.
This leadership team has been assembled with the clear goal of delivering a world-class tournament that showcases the best of football across the UK and Ireland. The board held its inaugural meeting at the National Stadium of Wales in Cardiff today.
“This is a landmark moment in our journey to deliver the best-ever UEFA EURO in 2028. We look forward to collaborating with football and government colleagues across the multi-nation partnership to host an outstanding tournament, one that is welcoming, inclusive and inspiring. Together, we are committed to ensuring a safe and sustainable event that boosts football development and creates long-term economic and social benefit.
“Working with UEFA, we aim to harness the power of European football to engage the next generation of players, fans and volunteers.”
Martin Kallen, UEFA Events SA CEO, said: “Today marks a major milestone in our preparations for UEFA EURO 2028. UK & Ireland 2028 Limited will play a key role in delivering a variety of areas of the tournament. Together we will work to ensure that UEFA EURO 2028 is delivered to the highest standards and to make sure that the tournament is a resounding success – for European football, for the host associations and their communities, and for all football fans.
“We look forward to continuing our excellent collaboration with our partners in the UK and Ireland, including the respective governments and host cities, and look forward to seeing this new structure come to life through a dedicated workforce. Together, we will organise an unforgettable tournament that will captivate football fans around the world.”
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1743416987labto1743416987ofdlr1743416987owedi1743416987sni@g1743416987niwe.1743416987yrrah1743416987