By Paul Nicholson
March 23 – The four UK FAs and the Football Association of Ireland have today formally submitted a joint Expression of Interest to host Euro 2028.
The five-nation bid submission is understood to be the only expression of interest received by UEFA, following on from reports yesterday that UEFA will make a formal announcement in early April to appoint England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland and will set a deadline of the end of the year to receive all the necessary government guarantees.
The five nations had initially been looking to bid for the 2030 World Cup and had conducted a £2.8 million feasibility study into a potential bid.
That focus changed in February with FIFA’s bid rules being unclear while UEFA was seen as more of a known quantity, both in terms of procedures and hosting expectations. The 2030 World Cup seems likely to go to South America and probably with the support of Europe’s nations following the new era of co-operation and alliance between UEFA and Conmebol.
A joint press release from the UK and Ireland FAs said “the Governments of the UK, Ireland, Scotland and Wales haveconfirmed their support for the EOI submission”. The Northern Irish governent is not currently in session but the joint release said it was observing the process closely.
“We believe EURO 2028 would be one of the greatest sporting events ever held in the UK & Ireland,” said the statement.
Reference was also made to the potential to expand the competition to 32 teams from the current 24-team format, a proposal UEFA is currently looking at.
The next stage for the bid is to work up a more detailed hosting plan though UEFA have yet to provide full hosting requirements.
“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,” said the statement.
“The UK & 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.”
Referencing what has become a changing and dangerous political world in Europe over the past month with the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the statement said: “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.”
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