Dublin is set for a multi-million euro cash bonanza following confirmation this week that UEFA has officially approved the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Britain as co-hosts for the 2028 competition.
With six games set to be played at the Aviva Stadium, city businesses can expect capacity crowds from various nations across the continent to boost spending significantly in the capital.
While Turkey’s and Italy’s withdrawal last week left the UK-Irish bid unopposed, it wasn’t until the official announcement in Switzerland on Tuesday last that the official green light was given for the hosting of the Euro tournament in five years time with Turkey and Italy getting the nod for the Euroe ‘32 competition.
Dublin Lord Mayor Daithí de Róiste welcomed the announcement stating: “After the disappointment of losing out late in the day on the opportunity to co-host UEFA EURO 2020, this week’s news will finally allow Dublin to take its place as a host city for the biggest sporting event ever to be held here.
“It will showcase Dublin to a global TV audience of hundreds of millions, in addition to the many fans, visitors, locals and stakeholders who will make their way to the city during the tournament. The excitement will be palpable!
“The City Council will work with our partners in Government and the FAI to ensure there are a suite of meaningful initiatives rolled out in Dublin and across the country to create a lasting legacy from EURO 2028.”
FAI President Gerry McAnaney called the announcement “a flagship day for our game in Ireland.”
He added: “We look forward to welcoming Europe to Ireland in 2028 and the games that will inspire Irish boys and girls as they witness history on their doorstep.”
In total, 10 stadia will help host the ‘28 tournament with six in England and one each in Ireland, the North, Wales and Scotland.
It is expected that the redeveloped GAA grounds, Casement Park, will be used in Belfast with the Aviva Stadium hosting all the Dublin based games. There will be four group games there with one each for the last 16 and quarter-final stage.
It’s understood Dublin will stage at least six Euro 2028 games, four in the group stage, one in the last 16, and one quarter-final with the West Belfast venue in line to host at least five fixtures.
The Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has pledged to help fund the Casement Park stadia “so that our stadia, north and south, are ready to welcome the world.”
He added: “It will be the biggest event ever hosted by our two islands .”
Windsor Park, where the North normally play their home games, was ruled out as a host venue because it does not meet the 30,000-capacity threshold UEFA demands for final tournament games.
The other eight stadiums used will be Wembley, the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the Etihad Stadium, St James’ Park, Villa Park, Everton’s still to be finished new home at Bramley-Moore Dock, Glasgow’s Hampden Park with the Principality Stadium in Cardiff the Welsh representative.
Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media,Catherine Martin and Thomas Byrne T.D., Minister of State for Sport and Physical Education also welcomed the announcement.
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