3 IRISH GROUNDS IN EURO 2028 BID

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A TOTAL of 14 stadiums have been included in a bid by the FAI and its English, Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish counterparts to host Euro 2028 with that number to be whittled down to just 10 next April.

The five associations yesterday morning submitted their Preliminary Bid Dossier to UEFA. Of the three Irish stadiums listed in the bid, two belong to

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the GAA – Croke Park in Dublin (above) and Belfast’s Casement Park.

Antrim GAA, owners of Casement Park, plan to begin redevelopment work on a proposed 34,578-seater stadium next year.

The five associations set out their vision for the tournament under the banner ‘Football for all. Football for good. Football for the future’.

This key development came 24 hours after the government green-lit the

Irish side of the bid, which Irish Sports Minister Jack Chambers claimed could cost up to €135million but added would bring in around €361m to the Republic’s economy.

Anfield, the Emirates and Stamford Bridge were the most surprising absentees from the 14-strong list submitted yesterday.

All five associations confirmed the submission of their Preliminary Bid at midday yesterday, calling it “a key moment in UEFA’S campaign process”.

A joint statement read: “Key to this vision is a commitment to diversity, social purpose and innovation in delivering an outstanding UEFA 2028 that will create unforgettable memories in sold-out, iconic stadia in famous sporting cities known throughout the world.

“We are delighted that Government Partners of Ireland, the UK, Scotland, Wales, and officials in Northern Ireland, support this bid.

“Together, we believe we can deliver a world-class tournament and that hosting UEFA 2028 will achieve a strong and sustainable legacy for football and wider society, helping to drive economic growth in local communities.”

The 14 stadiums listed in the Preliminary Bid Dossier are: Villa Park (Birmingham), Everton Stadium (Liverpool), London Stadium, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Wembley Stadium (all London), Etihad Stadium, Old Trafford (both Manchester), St James’ Park (Newcastle), Stadium of Light (Sunderland), Aviva Stadium, Croke Park (both Dublin), Hampden Park (Glasgow), Casement Park (Belfast), Principality Stadium (Cardiff).