Sinn Féin spokesperson on Sport, Chris Andrews TD, has welcomed today’s reports confirming that Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales are set to host Euro 2028.

He said that co-hosting the tournament must serve as a catalyst to leave a lasting legacy for Irish sport, and for cross-border cooperation.

Teachta Andrews said:

“After years of negativity and scandals around Irish football, co-hosting Euro 2028 provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to put all of that behind us and have a real fresh start for the sport in this country.

“The hosting of such a prestigious tournament can grow Irish football, grow our economy, create jobs, showcase to the world the best of our island and its people, and enhance cross-border cooperation.

“Co-hosting of Euro 2028 will require significant investment, but with that comes an enormous opportunity that must be seized to leave a real legacy that will benefit the League of Ireland, the grassroots of Irish football, and one that must support footballers for years to come.

“Over the past number of years, we have watched as the League of Ireland has grown from strength to strength, with weekly reports of sell-out crowds at matches. But so many of our stadiums are no longer fit for purpose.

“It is vital that co-hosting Euro 2028 is more than just a good-news story. There must be a dividend for Irish football that ensures our league is supported, is front and centre, and not pushed to the side over the next five years.

“Euro 2028 can also be a breakthrough moment for sport in the North, with the long-awaited transformation of Belfast’s Casement Park now in sight.

“After a decade of false dawns, we must now finally see the delivery of a first-class facility that will leave a lasting impact on the community for generations to come.”