The 2028 European Championship will be hosted by the United Kingdom and Ireland, while Italy and Turkey will host the 2032 edition, according to UEFA. The reactions to this announcement are as follows:
BRITISH PRIME MINISTER RISHI SUNAK:
“I have fond memories of Euro 96 from my childhood, and now we have the opportunity to create new memories for many more people, just like we did last year with the Lionesses. We are known for hosting tournaments better than anyone else, and this will have a massive boost for our economy. We will welcome millions of people to our country and inspire a new generation.”
FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION CHIEF EXECUTIVE MARK BULLINGHAM:
“We are thrilled with this news. It has been three years of hard work to reach this point. This is fantastic for us, the country, and the home nations. We are eagerly looking forward to it. Our strong bid is likely the reason we were unopposed.”
WALES FA CHIEF EXECUTIVE NOEL MOONEY:
“Bringing the tournament to Wales is a special day for us. We hope to host the opening match and a quarter-final at the national stadium of Wales, which we believe is the perfect venue. The final decision rests with UEFA.”
IRISH PRIME MINISTER LEO VARADKAR:
“I am extremely pleased that Ireland and the UK will co-host Euro 2028. Congratulations to the FAIreland and everyone involved in winning the bid. This will be the biggest event ever hosted by our two islands working together. We are willing to invest in our stadiums to ensure they are ready to welcome the world.”
SCOTLAND’S FIRST MINISTER HUMZA YOUSAF:
“Football is Scotland’s national game and a powerful force for good in our communities. This is why the Scottish government supported the joint bid. Hosting the Euros in Scotland will provide economic benefits and leave a lasting legacy, promoting inclusivity and diversity in the game.”
FORMER WALES INTERNATIONAL GARETH BALE:
“It is crucial for Wales to stay on the map and continue progressing. Having a major tournament in our country is of great importance. I am glad to be a part of it again.”
NORTHERN IRELAND MANAGER MICHAEL O’NEILL:
“I am delighted with this news. A lot of work has gone into this bid, and it is a result of years of effort by the IFA. We are thrilled to be a part of it.”
IRISH FA CHIEF EXECUTIVE PATRICK NELSON:
“We have been involved in this bid from the beginning, and we want to be fully involved until 2028. We need a stadium in Belfast with the right capacity to participate. We do not want to be left out. Belfast deserves to be a part of this fantastic festival of football.”
UK SPORTS MINISTER STUART ANDREW:
“I am thrilled that the UK and Ireland will be hosting Euro 2028. We have the experience, stadiums, and passionate football fans to make this a remarkable event. We have a strong track record of hosting major sporting events, and Euro 2028 will be no exception.”
MEHMET BUYUKEKSI, TURKISH FOOTBALL FEDERATION PRESIDENT:
“We are happy with this news. We have tried five times without success, and now we have made history. Together with Italy, we can create strong synergies, combining design and industrial development.”
GIANLUIGI BUFFON, Italian Football Federation DELEGATION CHIEF:
“This is an opportunity to modernize football structures and give a boost to the sport. We have nine years to plan something that will have long-term benefits. One of my career regrets is not playing a World Cup or Euros in Italy.”
GABRIELE GRAVINA, ITALIAN FOOTBALL FEDERATION PRESIDENT:
“This is a historic day for Italy. After many years, we have the opportunity to organize such an important football event. It will awaken interest and consciousness, and provide beautiful stadiums and infrastructure for fans and supporters.”
In summary, the United Kingdom and Ireland will host the 2028 European Championship, while Italy and Turkey will host the 2032 edition. The announcement has been met with excitement and enthusiasm from various figures in the football community.
