First Minister has welcomed today’s news
that Wales will host matches at the finals of a major senior
international football tournament for the first time.
In a ceremony in Switzerland today, UEFA announced that the UK
and Ireland’s bid to host the 2028 UEFA European Championships
has been successful.
Wales has previously hosted major sporting events, including the
UEFA Champions League Final in 2017, boxing, the London 2012
Olympics and the Rugby World Cup final. EURO 2028 will be
the first time matches in the finals of a major senior men’s
international football tournament are played in Wales.
First Minister said:
“Wales has built a strong global reputation for successfully
hosting major sporting events, while reaching the finals of three
major men’s football tournaments since 2016.
“Football is at the heart of our sporting ambitions – whether
that’s hosting the Champions League Final in 2017 or proudly
sending Wales to its first FIFA World Cup finals for more than 60
years. We’re also providing unprecedented support for the
women’s game and investing in grassroots and youth football
across Wales.
“Today’s news is the next exciting opportunity for us to showcase
what Wales has to offer. We have a strong track record of working
in partnership with key partners, including Cardiff Council and
the stadium, to host the events, which fans from all over Wales
can enjoy.
“Securing EURO 2028 is another milestone for Welsh sport and I’m
confident the UK and Ireland will host the best UEFA EURO ever.”
Deputy Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, , said: “We look forward to
working with the FAW, the stadium and our UK and Ireland nation
partners to deliver a passionate and unforgettable celebration,
which will be safe, welcoming and well-organised. The
2028 UEFA European Championships will be a spectacular and
sustainable football festival – for the players, for the fans and
the entire UEFA Family.
“The economic benefits of hosting such a high-profile event will
be significant – and will also provide us with an excellent
platform upon which to raise Wales’ profile on the world stage
aligning us with a genuine global brand. The opportunities
which we had as part of the World Cup last year gave us a
platform upon which to deliver an award-winning promotional
campaign for Wales.
“This inspirational opportunity will also be used to encourage
participation, particularly amongst women, as well as using
football to promote and support initiatives to address social
inclusion – which will form a lasting legacy for the2028 UEFA
European Championships.”
The Principality Stadium, will be known as the National Stadium
of Wales for the purposes of this tournament.
“This is an historic day for Wales and Welsh sport.” said interim
WRU Group CEO, Nigel Walker.
“We look forward with immense excitement to playing our part to
deliver an excellent UEFA EUROS 2028, working alongside our
partners at Welsh Government, Cardiff Council, the Football
Association of Wales along with the rest of the UK and Ireland.
“We have hosted hugely significant global football events at our
stadium before, from Welsh international matches to FA Cup
Finals, Olympic Games matches and the 2017 UEFA Champions League
Final. We offer a magnificent spectator experience, a
playing surface fit for the finest talent around the globe and a
fully retractable roof all situated in a hugely attractive city
centre location with all the benefits the Cardiff capital
provides.
“We already know the hugely positive impact hosting major
sporting events at the stadium has on Cardiff and the surrounding
region. UEFA EURO 2028 will be no different, and we will be
ready to welcome football fans from all corners of the world for
one of the biggest sporting spectacles in the world.”
Cardiff Council Leader, Cllr , said: “This is wonderful news for Cardiff and for
Wales and we can’t wait to welcome fans - many who will be coming
here for the first time. It’s another fantastic opportunity to
remind the world just how special Cardiff is when it comes to
hosting major events. Visitors can expect a unique atmosphere, a
warm and welcoming city, and a passionate populace with a real
love of the game. What could be better than the beautiful game,
in a beautiful atmosphere, in our beautiful city. I can’t wait.”
