The two associations have decided to bid for the Euros instead of the 2030 World Cup.
Ireland and the United Kingdom are set to bid to host the UEFA Euro 2028 finals, it has been announced.
The FAI released a statement detailing their hopes to hold Europe’s biggest international football competition. The associations were reportedly preparing a bid for the 2030 World Cup, but have decided to try to host the Euros instead.
It is expected that the Euros will expand from 24 to 32 teams in 2028, making the five-nation bid more appealing to UEFA.
The FAI statement announced
“It would be an honour and a privilege to collectively host UEFA EURO 2028 and to welcome all of Europe,” an FAI statement reads.
“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.”
The Aviva Stadium was due to host four matches during Euro 2020. However, due to COVID-19 restrictions, the FAI were unable to comply with UEFA stadium capacity requirements. In 2028, the tournament could be partly-staged in Ireland.
CONFIRMED | Republic of Ireland & UK nations to bid for EURO 2028 🏆
Following an extensive feasibility study, we have agreed to focus on a bid to host UEFA EURO 2028, the third largest sports event in the world#EURO2028 | #WeAreOne | #WeAre100 pic.twitter.com/YEQFghLBUo
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) February 7, 2022
“We believe the Republic of Ireland and the UK can offer UEFA and European football something special in 2028,” the statement continued.
The FAI says that their bid would offer a “compact and unique five-way hosting collaboration” and they aim to “provide a great experience for the teams and the fans.”
“We continue to collaborate with our Government Partners of Ireland and the UK about the next steps.”
“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.”
Ireland and the UK decide to bid for Euro 2028 instead of 2030 World Cup.
The associations were reportedly set to bid to host for the 2030 World Cup.
However, they have decided to focus on the more-realistic aim of hosting the Euros.
The next edition of the European Championships in 2024 will be staged in Germany.
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