First Minister Designate Michelle O’Neill has welcomed confirmation from UEFA that Ireland and Britain will host the 2028 European Championship games.

Michelle O’Neill said:

“I am absolutely delighted that UEFA has today confirmed that Ireland and Britain will host the 2023 Euro 2028 Championship games.

“This is an opportunity of a lifetime.

“The hosting of this prestigious tournament will help create jobs, strengthen the economy and showcase everything that makes our island and people amazing.

“It will also provide a major boost to tourism with thousands of people set to visit this island to attend games, with a number of them set to be hosted in a new Casement Park.

“This is a unique opportunity to unite communities and bring people together from across the political divide and from across these two islands using the power of sport.

“It is now time to move forward to build Casement Park to ensure we have another first-class, state of the art sporting facility for Ulster Gaels, and to host major games like this.

“Grassroots football is going through a resurgence and going from strength to strength across the island with attendances at local football stadiums rapidly increasing.

“This tournament will leave a real legacy that will benefit grassroots football on this island and inspire young footballers for years to come.”