- UEFA confirms success of joint UK and Ireland bid
The 2028 UEFA European Football Championships are set to come to
Scotland, as UEFA’s executive committee confirmed the success of
a joint UK and Ireland bid.
The result was announced at a ceremony in Nyon, Switzerland
today, where Scotland was represented at the ceremony by Scottish
Football Association Chief Executive Ian Maxwell, President Mike
Mulraney and Youth Ambassador Isla Buchanan.
Matches in Scotland will be played at Hampden Park, which is
among 10 stadia proposed to host EURO 2028, having successfully
hosted four matches during EURO 2020. Glasgow will be one of nine
host cities across the UK and Ireland.
First Minister said:
“Football is Scotland’s national game and a powerful force for
good in communities right across the country. It is this
combination which underpinned the Scottish Government’s support
for the successful joint bid.
“Hosting the Euros in Scotland will provide a range of
opportunities, not only through the economic benefits of visiting
fans, but through a strong legacy programme that will help grow a
more inclusive and diverse game right across the country.
“The legacy vision of ‘Football for All, Football for Good and
Football for the Future’ captures the positive impact football
has in our communities. Scotland has proven experience in hosting
major events and I look forward to continuing to work closely
with the Scottish FA, Glasgow Life, and all other bid partners to
deliver a welcoming, exciting and safe EURO 2028.
Secretary of State for Scotland said:
"Congratulations to Scotland, all the home nations and Ireland,
in netting Euro 2028 for these shores. This is the result of much
hard work by a broad range of partners including the UK and
devolved governments, Football Associations and many more.
"We have already seen the tremendous atmosphere created when
Scotland hosted games during the Euros a couple of years ago and
I look forward to more exciting matches in front of the best fans
in the world at Hampden. It promises to be a festival of
spectacular football."
Scottish FA Chief Executive, Ian Maxwell said:
“Throughout the bidding process, the commitment and support
received from our longstanding partners at Scottish Government,
Glasgow City Council, Glasgow Life, EventScotland, and Police
Scotland, has been pivotal in delivering a successful outcome for
Scotland, the United Kingdom and Ireland. It is a tremendous
privilege, and honour, to again be awarded “EURO” host status,
and I look forward to the building upon the existing strength of
our unique partnership as we begin the journey towards 2028.”
Councillor Susan Aitken, Leader of Glasgow City Council said:
“Everyone knows the pride and passion for football that is
hard-wired into Scottish culture and how Glasgow loves to welcome
people from around the world on behalf of Scotland.
“Thanks to UEFA and everyone who worked on developing a fantastic
bid across all the nations involved. Anyone who was in Glasgow
when the Euro 2020 games were being played here will remember how
exciting it was. Glasgow will be able to dial up the excitement
and anticipation for 2028 even more to welcome fans from across
Europe for unforgettable matches.
“And while we get stuck into what needs to happen next, allow me
to wish good luck to Scotland for the match against Spain on
Thursday.”
