Gareth Bale of the UK and Ireland squad, UEFA president Alexander Ceferin and fans.Photo: Associated Press
The FAI has called on Sport Minister Thomas Byrne to reconsider his interview with RTÉ before it is confirmed that Ireland will co-host Euro 2028.
In October, FAI chief operating officer David Courel wrote to the minister’s private secretary and officials at the Department of Sport, stating that joint hosting of the European Championship between Ireland and Great Britain was the only option being considered by UEFA. We welcomed the news that there is. This came after Italy and Turkey abandoned rival bids.
It seemed inevitable that Ireland and Great Britain would win the hosting rights a week later, but the FAI and other bid partners were keen to tread carefully before making a formal announcement.
Although it was recognized that a response may be required over Italy and Turkey’s bids, the bidding partners agreed that it would be best to wait for official announcements before commenting on the Games.
Mr Byrne agreed to speak on RTÉ after being invited to speak on RTÉ Radio 1 about developments with Italy and Turkey, but was uncomfortable with the approach.
“Unfortunately, this goes against the agreed position of all partners, including the Irish Government, as of yesterday, and is problematic for the partnership,” Couler wrote.
He asked the Minister to reconsider conducting the interview.
“The central bid team is concerned that if one partner breaks the line there will be a knock-on effect, further weakening the message and impact of next Tuesday’s formal award.
Mr Byrne later appeared on RTÉ radio and said he doesn’t take anything for granted, “but this is going very well.”
The FAI declined to comment this weekend.