Great Britain and Ireland apply for EC 2028

© Frank Austin / AB / DT
Among other things, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Prince William at the final of the European Championships in Wembley last year. Stock photo.

Great Britain and Ireland avoid applying for the 2030 World Cup.

Instead, countries are investing in organizing the European Championship 2028.

One year ago, in March 2021, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Boris Johnson announced that he was investing with Ireland in hosting the 2030 World Cup.

Funding for the World Cup campaign was added to the budget, and the project was welcomed by football associations in England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland.

But now they are abandoning that idea – instead men are focusing on EC 2028.

The reason is that there is uncertainty about future World Cup events after FIFA (International Football Association) pressured to play the championship every two years. Criticized by both Uefa (European Football Association) and Conmebol (South American Football Association).

“Clear Opportunity”

The English Football Association (FA) has therefore decided that the European Championship application is a secure card.

– Like all UEFA nations, we are very clear that we do not think the World Cup every year is a good idea for men and women, says FA CEO Mark Bullingham.

– We saw two possibilities in front of us, EC 2028 is a clear possibility with a very clear deadline.

The British government supports this decision.

“After a detailed feasibility study, in light of the current uncertainty surrounding the design of the future World Cup, we accept the decision of the five football associations that this is not the right time to proceed with the application,” they wrote in a statement.

Italy expects 2032 European Championship

Wembley, England’s national stadium, hosted eight matches, including the final of last year’s European Championships, which were decided across Europe. Four more matches were held at Hampton Park in Glasgow, Scotland.

Countries have until March 23 to submit an EC application. Only in September 2023 will it be clear which country or countries will be awarded the championship.

England will host the European Championships for women this summer.

On Monday, the Italian Football Association announced its application for sponsorship of the European Championship 2032.

The association says it wants to modernize the country’s football fields in the run-up to the championship in ten years.

This summer, Rome hosted four European Championships.