UK and Ireland announce joint-bid to host the 2028 UEFA European Championships

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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.

A feasibility study included an analysis of the economic impact, the political football landscape and likely costs of hosting major international tournaments.

On balance, the associations 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.  

After the announcement, FAW President Stephen Williams said:

“Here in Wales, The Red Wall have a special affinity with the European Championships and for us to potentially see Cymru participating as a host country at UEFA EURO 2028 is an exciting prospect. 

“I’m incredibly proud that the Football Association of Wales is supporting this bid alongside the  football associations of Northern Ireland, Scotland, England and the Republic of Ireland. 

“The positive impact that this will have on Wales as a whole is immeasurable and will leave a long lasting legacy.”

To the surprise of many, the current “home” of the national side, the Cardiff City Stadium, is not expected to feature in the bid. With a capacity of around 33,000 and its location near the long dark streets of inner Cardiff, the iconic venue may not offer the Visitor Experience to appeal to UEFA.

Swansea City’s home ground also does not seem to offer a likely option, whilst in the North, Wrexham FC’s historic Racecourse Ground remains a long way short of the facilities that such a venture would require, even with its Hollywood landlords.

The city-centre location of the Principality Stadium, with its enormous capacity and proximity to hotels, transport links and vibrant Cardiff nightlife, seems likely to spearhead the Welsh bid. A new media complex has been created within a stone’s throw of the stadium, further strengthening its case.

The move could help suppress demands for a Team GB at international level, with a firm marketing campaign likely to play a crucial part.

Those who guard Welsh football independence and resist any moves which present a “UK” dimension to football in these lands may offer a more cautious welcome, however.

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