Northern Ireland insist they're still part of Euros bid

Northern Ireland say they remain part of the UK and Ireland bid to host Euro 2028 despite a Stormont minister warning support in principle for it cannot be provided at this stage.

DUP Economy Minister Gordon Lyons said the lack of a properly functioning powersharing Executive and agreed budget means the region cannot commit to the "in principle" support to the bid that has been offered by England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland.

Lyons' own party collapsed the Executive last month by withdrawing First Minister Paul Givan from the administration in protest against Brexit's Northern Ireland Protocol.

However, the Irish Football Association said on Friday: "We had an urgent meeting with the Economy Minister this morning where he clarified his comments and reaffirmed his commitment to work with us.

"We are satisfied with this and look forward to contributing to an exciting Euro 2028 bid."

A statement from the five bidding associations issued on Wednesday, confirming they had submitted an 'expression of interest' (EOI) in hosting the tournament to UEFA, acknowledged the specific difficulties facing Northern Ireland.

"The governments of the UK, Ireland, Scotland and Wales have confirmed their support for the EOI submission and, given the Northern Ireland Executive is currently not meeting formally, officials there continue to observe the process closely," it read.

In a letter to the remaining members of the Executive seen by the PA news agency, Lyons had written: "The cross-cutting nature of Northern Ireland participation in the Euros [bid] and the lack of both a decision-making mechanism and agreed budget means NI cannot provide 'in principle support' for the bid at this stage."

The minister said his officials will