Across the UK and Ireland, celebrations are underway as players, fans and local communities look forward to hosting an outstanding festival of summer football at UEFA EURO in 2028.
In yesterday’s official announcement, the UK and Ireland thanked UEFA and hailed “an exciting summer of football that will create memories to last a lifetime”.
The successful UEFA EURO 2028 bid delivers a clear and compelling vision to help domestic and European football grow a more diverse and inclusive game, connect with new audiences and inspire the next generation of players, fans and volunteers. The UK and Ireland expressed this vision as ‘Football for all. Football for good. Football for the future’.
The host nation agreement is co-signed by FOOTBALL ASSOCIATIONS OF ENGLAND, IRELAND, NORTHERN IRELAND, SCOTLAND AND WALES. Hugh James is delighted to have provided legal advice to the Football Association of Wales as part of the successful bid.
Partner Mark Loosemore, top ranked for his sports sector expertise by the legal directories, led the Hugh James team advising the FAW. Mark has previously advised the FAW on hosting of the UEFA Champions League final in Cardiff in 2017. Mark and colleagues also advised on Wales’ participation in Euro 2016, Euro 2020 and World Cup 2022.
Mark commented:
“Congratulations to everyone at the Football Association of Wales and the home nations who have worked together to deliver a successful bid for the UK and Ireland, and one that will be celebrated by sports lovers all over.
“The FAW are a longstanding client and it’s been great to work with Nick Lewis and others there, alongside the other four host associations and the Central Bid Team at The FA, on such an exciting and transformational project for Welsh football.”
Specifically on bringing the event to Cardiff, he added: “Wales has a fantastic track record of delivering world class sporting events and the UEFA EURO in 2028, the third largest tournament in the world, promises to be another spectacular in Cardiff.”
Speaking on behalf of the FAW, Nick Lewis, (In-House Lawyer), commented:
“There has been a lot of work going on behind the scenes to get us to the point of securing the tournament, and to have the support of Mark and his team throughout the process has been invaluable.
“We have an excellent working relationship, and this has been so important in negotiating and finalising the various legalities with various stakeholders. We look forward to working with Mark and his team in delivering what will no doubt be a hugely successful Euros for Wales.”
