Scotland joins UK and Ireland bid to host Euro 2028

The Scottish Football Association is working on a joint bid to host the 2028 European Championships.

England, Northern Ireland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland would also host games at the men’s football extravaganza.

Following “an extensive feasibility study”, the five football associations agreed to drop previous plans to host the 2030 World Cup and instead focus on the Euros.

The month-long summer tournament, held every four years, is currently made up of 24 teams and features 51 matches.

Scottish FA chief executive Ian Maxwell said he was excited about the joint bid. SNS Group

Scottish FA chief executive Ian Maxwell said it was “hugely exciting” and said Euro 2020 last year demonstrated the country’s ability to host major international events even in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Hampden hosted four matches during the Europe-wide 2020 contest, held a year later than planned due to the pandemic.

Hampden could see redevelopment for Euro 2028 after the Scottish FA took over ownership from Queen’s Park 18 months ago keen to improve it.

Maxwell also said the split of matches played in which locations during Euro 2028 across the five nations would be decided by UEFA.

Speaking at the national football stadium, he said: “We will be working hard to make sure that Scotland can host as many matches as possible here at Hampden, and the Scottish supporters can come and see the national team playing in a major European finals again.”

A statement issued jointly by the five associations read: “It would be an honour and a privilege to collectively host UEFA Euro 2028 and to welcome all of Europe.

“It would also be a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate the true impact of hosting a world-class football tournament by driving positive change and leaving a lasting legacy across our communities.

“We believe the UK and the Republic of Ireland can offer UEFA and European football something special in 2028 – a compact and unique five-way hosting collaboration that will provide a great experience for the teams and the fans.

“We continue to collaborate with our government partners of the UK and Ireland about the next steps.”

The associations agreed that hosting the Euros would have similar financial benefits to the World Cup, while costing less to host.

Although Scotland will not be bidding for the 2030 international football tournament, Maxwell was positive about a bid further down the line.

“The thought of having a World Cup at Hampden is something that I’m sure Scotland fans would love to see and there’s no reason why that can’t happen in the future,” he said.

The expressions of interest period runs until March 23, 2022, and the final bid decision will be made by UEFA in September 2023.

Maxwell said: “The main step in the meantime is for us to engage with local partners such as Scottish Government and local authorities to make sure that we have the support what’s required to host such a prestigious event.”

Other confirmed candidates to host Euro 2028 are Turkey and a four-nation joint bid from Romania, Greece, Bulgaria and Serbia.