The potential hosting of the Euro 2028 Finals could include the use of GAA grounds in both Dublin and Belfast,

Speaking to the media on a five-way call with the other FA CEO’s, the FAI’s Jonathan Hill said that “We are in the process of talking with our own Government and we await to see from UEFA what the stadium requirements will be as part of the bidding process.”

“We also do not know yet if it will be for a 24 or a 32 team tournament.”

“We talk on a regular basis with the GAA and Croke park’s potential use had been part of initial discussions held around the possibility of a 2030 FIFA World Cup bid.

The bid requirements are expected to be published at the end of March at which point more detailed plans will be put forward in terms of the breakdown of matches between the five countries.

For Northern Ireland to be included on the match itinerary would require the use of a redeveloped Casement Park or a new stadium.

Irish FA CEO Patrick Nelson was also on the call.

“We know that our stadium, the national football stadium at Windsor Park, doesn’t meet the current requirements of a 30,000 capacity for the Euros but we also understand that being part of the bid brings a massive range of benefits to Northern Ireland,” he said.

That could mean being part of a pre-tournament camp or of hosting a number of teams during the competition but it could also speed up the development of Casement Park, only a long kick of a ball away from Windsor Park, and for that to be used.

“We want to be a major part in this and we want to play a full part,” said Nelson. “We will work with our partners to be in a position to host matches here in Northern Ireland and we look forward to driving it forward in the coming months and years.”

It is not clear yet whether the visual experience of playing games on a pitch within the pitch of a GAA ground, with the extra 40 metres of playing area disguised in some way, would be acceptable to UEFA but this bid is now very real and will be a significant element ion the work of both associations over the next half a decade.

Noel Mooney confirmed that the Principality Stadium in Cardiff was the only Welsh Stadium likely to be part of the itinerary.

“We are working very closely with the Welsh Rugby Union and the Welsh government to ensure that it’s perfect for Euro 2028,” he said.

“The Principality, with the sheer size of it, was a very successful host of the Champions League final between Juventus and Real Madrid back in 2017, which was a magnificent occasion. We look forward to many more of them in 2028 and bringing the Principality Stadium to the world.”

READ THE INITIAL BREAKING NEWS THAT A 2028 BID WAS LIKELY