UK & Ireland 2028 Limited, the company responsible for the local delivery of UEFA EURO 2028, has been established and has commenced operations.
Incorporated with the five UK and Ireland Football Associations as shareholders, the Delivery Company is tasked with organising the tournament in line with the UEFA hosting agreement.
Debbie Hewitt MBE, Chair of The Football Association, is confirmed as Chair of the UK & Ireland 2028 Board. She is joined on the Board by three Independent Non-Executive Directors:
– Susan Ahern SC is a Dublin-based barrister specialising in sports law, international arbitration and mediation and a long-time friend of Sport for Business.
– Tyrone Mings: Aston Villa and England player.
– Alan Stewart, former Chief Financial Officer at Tesco and Marks & Spencer.
Chris Bryant MBE will hold the position of UK & Ireland 2028 Managing Director on the Board, which also comprises the Chief Executive Officers of the host Football Associations.
These appointments demonstrate the strong professional expertise and track record of success across the partnership to deliver large-scale major event projects. This includes wide-ranging corporate and senior management experience spanning international football and other sports, as well as commerce, law, and retail.
The inaugural Board meeting will take place on 28 March at the National Stadium of Wales, Cardiff.
Welcoming, Safe and Exciting
“We are excited to enter into this next phase of delivery of EURO 2028 as we work closely with our fellow host nations to offer a welcoming, safe and exciting summer of football in 2028,” said David Courell, CEO of the FAI.
“This tournament will provide a hugely positive economic and social impact on our community, our city and our country, and we look forward to collaborating with both UEFA and the Government of Ireland to ensure it is a success.”
“Today marks a significant milestone in our preparations for UEFA EURO 2028,” added Martin Kallen, UEFA Events SA CEO.
“UK & Ireland 2028 Limited will play a key role in delivering a variety of areas of the tournament.”
“Together, we will work to ensure that UEFA EURO 2028 is delivered to the highest standards and to make sure that the tournament is a resounding success – for European football, for the host associations and their communities, and for all football fans.”
“We look forward to continuing our excellent collaboration with our partners in the UK and Ireland, including the respective governments and host cities. We look forward to seeing this new structure come to life through a dedicated workforce. Together, we will organise an unforgettable tournament that will captivate football fans worldwide.”
Delivery
With preparations for UEFA EURO fully underway, the UK & Ireland 2028 Delivery Company will work closely with Government Partners to deliver their defined areas of responsibility, including:
· Deliver world-class hosting conditions, including mobility and airport operations, as a foundation for an exceptional experience for fans, participating National Associations and other key target groups
· Host city relations, stadium liaison and local stakeholder management to ensure an integrated approach to planning and delivery.
· Tournament safety, security and medical services to ensure a welcoming and positive environment for all those attending the tournament, and an elevated match-day fan experience within and outside stadia.
· Social impact and environmental sustainability initiatives which create positive community benefits before, during and after the tournament.
· Best-in-class team training facilities to help participating nations prepare for one of the world’s largest and most prestigious sporting events.
· Volunteering programmes which engage communities and visitors to create an unforgettable and celebratory welcome for all.
As with previous EURO Championships, and as the competition owner, UEFA will retain responsibility for operational, competition, sporting, integrity and regulatory, marketing and commercial, ticketing and hospitality matters.
The UK & Ireland 2028 Board is:
– Chair: Debbie Hewitt MBE
– Independent Non-Executive Director (Remuneration): Susan Ahern SC
– Independent Non-Executive Director: Tyrone Mings
– Independent Non-Executive Director (Audit & Risk): Alan Stewart
– Managing Director: Chris Bryant MBE
– The Football Association CEO: Mark Bullingham
– Football Association of Ireland CEO: David Courell
– Scottish Football Association CEO: Ian Maxwell
– Football Association of Wales CEO: Noel Mooney
Irish Football Association CEO, Patrick Nelson, is an observer on the Board alongside a representative from each of the UK & Ireland Government Partners and UK Sport.
Further Reading for Sport for Business members: Positive Political and Sporting Reaction to Euro 2028 Win
SPORT FOR BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE
Ireland is noted for it’s way of going about things in the right way, something we sometimes do not give ourselves credit for. With Susan Ahern, David Courell and Noel Mooney’s Irish accents around the table, and Patrick Nelson’s and our Government representative observing, our influence on the success of the tournament will be significant.
WHAT’S UP NEXT?
The first meeting of the Board will take place in Cardiff tomorrow.
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