The FAI have pulled off a stunning success with the announcement that Dublin will host three group stage matches and a round of 16 game at the finals of the Euro 2020 football championships.
Dublin was the fourth name called out by UEFA president Michel Platini. It will join Amsterdam, Brussels, Budapest, Bucharest, Bilbao, Copenhagen and Glasgow which was the last one named, completing a dramatic six hours for Scotland.
As re revealed this morning, the FAI bid featured very well in the UEFA evaluation report but there are never guarantees of success and Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium is one of those to miss out.
London’s Wembley Stadium will host the Final while Baku in Azerbaijan continues it’s surge as a venue by adding a quarter final spot in 2020 to next year’s hosting of the inaugural European Olympics.
“The FAI deserves full credit for a credible and comprehensive bid that has succeeded where Stockholm among others have failed,” said Rob Hartnett of Sport for Business.
“The transport and hotel boost from hosting 200,000 fans over the four matches will be worth more than the best possible RBS six nations and while direct value assessments are unreliable there is no doubt that this is a €100 million win for the city, the country and the many businesses that will stand to gain from new money.”
Aviva will perhaps be the only ones rueing the day as the tournament will repeat the Europa League Final designation as the Dublin Arena.
The FAI’s official twitter account posted “YES! Dublin confirmed as host city for Round of 16 at UEFA Euro 2020! #ProudDay” and followed up a minute later with an unrestrained “Woohoo!!! Dublin is in #Euro2020”.
Minister of State for Sport Michael Ring was also quick to react saying “I want to congratulate the FAI, Dublin City Council and their partners on the successful bid for Dublin to host part of the European Soccer Championships in 2020.”
“It is a marvellous opportunity for our nation to be part of one of the world’s top sporting events and a fantastic opportunity for Irish football fans to enjoy such a prestigious event on their own home soil.”
“The Government fully supported the bid and my Department and other Governments Departments worked with the FAI to ensure that the bid met all the criteria sought by UEFA.”
“To have an opportunity to host part of a tournament that is normally the reserve of Europe’s bigger nations represents a unique opportunity for Ireland. We are a country that is passionate about football and look forward to welcoming the cream of European football to our shores in 2020.”
“Recent events such as the Giro d’Italia have shown that Ireland can successfully host large international sports events and ensure that participants and spectators alike have a great experience when they visit Ireland.”
“The Aviva stadium is a world class facility and previously successfully hosted the 2011 Europa League Final, the 2012 Heineken Cup Final and the 2012 Emerald Isle Classic.”
“While the Euro 2020 championship matches will take place at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, I believe that the repercussions and legacy will be felt throughout the country and will have a significant economic impact.”
“The hosting of major sports events can deliver additional international visits and helps to put Ireland onto travel itineraries as a holiday destination.I see Euro 2020 as having the ability to encourage more young people to get involved in sport. It will be a great opportunity for young Irish people to see some of the best that European football now has to offer on their own doorstep and to inspire more young people to get involved in the sport.”
This really is a day to celebrate.
