Government confirm backing as Euro 2028 bid submitted

The government have confirmed their backing for Ireland's bid to co-host Euro 2028, which was formally submitted to UEFA this morning.

The application is a joint bid alongside England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and the five associations confirmed in a joint statement issued on Wednesday morning that an 'expression of interest' (EOI) had been filed, which has the support of the governments of the UK, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Today was the deadline for national football associations to confirm their interest in bidding to host the event.

In a statement released this morning confirming their support for the bid, the Government said it recognised "the scale of opportunity" represented by the bid and vowed to work with the FAI and partner governments on the venture.

Minister Catherine Martin said: "Hosting Euro 2028 games in Ireland could bring lots of benefits not least to Ireland's tourism sector. Hosting the tournament also offers a very considerable opportunity to strengthen East-West and North-South relations in the years ahead."

Minister for State in Sport and the Gaeltacht Jack Chambers added: "We missed out on a lot of things during the pandemic and Ireland hosting games during EURO 2020 was one of those things. I welcome another opportunity to bring this fantastic tournament to Ireland, should a decision be taken to make a formal bid."

On submitting their formal application to host the tournament, the five associations said "Euro 2028 would be one of the greatest sporting events ever held in the UK and Ireland."

A joint statement from the five associations read: "With this unique partnership, we are taking the appropriate next steps and our ambition is to stage a successful UEFA Euro which will be a wonderful