Euro 2028: UK and Ireland on brink of securing tournament as historic bid set to be unopposed
England 2028: UK and Ireland are set to host the tournament
PA
The UK and Ireland are set to host Euro 2028, with the historic bid primed to be unopposed.
On Friday, UEFA released a statement confirming Turkey and Italy were now focusing on hosting the competition four years later - effectively giving the UK and Ireland a free run.
The statement read: "In 2021, UEFA initiated a bidding process for the hosting of two consecutive editions of its European Championship, in 2028 and 2032.
"TFF entered the process for both editions, while FIGC decided to bid only for the 2032 edition.
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"A joint bid to host the 2028 edition has also been placed by five associations: England, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
"UEFA will now work with FIGC and TFF to ensure that the documentation to be submitted for their joint bid is compliant with the bidding requirements.
"If the joint bid does comply with such requirements, it will be submitted to the UEFA Executive Committee at the meeting scheduled on 10 October, where the appointments for 2028 and 2032 will be made.
"Decisions on venues and match schedules will be made at a later stage."
England and Scotland hosted certain games at Euro 2020 two years ago.
Wembley was used, as well as Hampden Park.
And with the UK set to now host the European Championships in five years' time, fans look set to be treated to a major tourmament on home soil.
Wembley, along with the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Etihad Stadium, St James' Park and Villa Park have been selected as the host venues.
Scotland are ready to use Hampden Park.
In Wales, the Principality Stadium has been put forward.
And, in the Republic of Ireland, Dublin's Aviva Stadium completes the list.
Debbie Hewitt, chair of UK and Ireland bid, said earlier this year: “Our pioneering five-way partnership will deliver a record-breaking and unforgettable Uefa Euro.
“We will work together tirelessly to be the best partners for Uefa and to deliver on every one of our shared priorities.
"We will focus on growing football, connecting with and engaging new fans, players and volunteers.
“We continue to invest £50m (€57m) annually into grassroots football development across our five associations. Together, we want Uefa Euro 2028 to be the catalyst for a new and sustainable era for football, from the grassroots to the very top of the European game.”
Earlier in the year, a joint statement was released by UK prime minister, Rishi Sunak, Scotland’s first minister, Humza Yousaf, the first minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford, and the taoiseach, Leo Varadkar.
“Together, our nations will host an outstanding Uefa Euro 2028,” it said.
“It will be the biggest sporting event our islands have ever jointly staged – a passionate and unforgettable celebration, with long-term benefits for our cities and communities as well as all European football.
"Our governments are fully committed to hosting Uefa Euro 2028."
Sunak himself added: “Football has a habit of creating special memories and in 2028 we want to create new memories for a new generation – across England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Ireland.
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"Our bid promises not only world-class stadia, excellent transport links and the world’s best fans but also the opportunity to build a lasting grassroots legacy.”
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