UK and Ireland set to bid for Euro 2028

Britain and Ireland plan to bid for the 2028 European Championship, the football associations of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland have announced in a joint statement.

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

The decision, said FA chief executive Mark Bullingham, was also down to uncertainty over the future frequency of the World Cup with FIFA proposing the tournament is staged biennially rather than quadrennially.

European associations and UEFA oppose the idea, which could have ramifications for any bid seeking FIFA's approval.

"I think we've been very clear as all the UEFA countries -- we didn't think that a biennial World Cup either in men's or women's was a good idea," Bullingham said. "We don't believe that they'll come to fruition. So we're stepping back again."

The decision helps Spain and Portugal, who are pursuing a joint bid for the 2030 World Cup that could include Morocco. There is also a coalition of South American countries keen from Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and Chile.

The 2026 edition is to be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

In the joint statement the five associations had said: "Hosting a UEFA EURO offers a similar return on investment, with the European tournament carrying a far lower delivery cost and the potential of the benefits being realised sooner.

"We believe the UK and the Republic of Ireland can offer UEFA and European football something special in 2028 - a compact and unique five-way hosting collaboration that will provide a great experience for