Britain/Ireland would stage most-watched Euros yet, say joint bidders

LONDON: Britain and Ireland would host the most-watched European Championship yet if a joint-bid to stage Euro 2028 is successful, the partners said on Wednesday (Apr 12).

The 10-stadium bid, formally submitted to UEFA on Wednesday by the five football associations, was described in a joint statement as 'low risk, high reward'.

"Our pioneering five-way partnership will deliver a record-breaking and unforgettable UEFA Euro," a statement from the Irish, English, Scottish and Welsh Football Associations and the Football Association of Ireland said.

"Together we want Euro 2028 to be catalyst for a new and sustainable era for football, from the grassroots to the very top of the game."

The joint-bidders say a record three million tickets would be available with an average stadium capacity of 58,000 with 80 per cent of ticket holders being able to arrive by public transport.

The five associations dropped plans to bid for the 2030 World Cup to focus on the Euros following a feasibility study that analysed the economic impact and estimated costs of hosting major international tournaments.

A successful bid for the Euros would generate cumulative socio-economic benefits of up to 2.6 billion pounds for the host nations, according to the bid.

The bid has full support from the respective governments, who said in a joint statement: "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."

Europe's soccer governing body UEFA has said that automatic qualification as hosts will not be guaranteed if more than two countries submit a joint bid.

The proposed stadiums for the British and Ireland bid