STEPHEN KENNY ON EURO 2028 BID
By Daire Walsh
Republic of Ireland senior men’s football manager Stephen Kenny believes it would be good for the country if the FAI’s bid to become joint hosts of the European Championships in 2028 proved to be successful.
In a press release that was sent out yesterday, the association confirmed that they had submitted to UEFA a joint expression of interest to hold this major tournament in conjunction with Northern Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales. They also added that they are awaiting a formal response from UEFA, but with no major submission anticipated from a rival country, it seems likely that this joint UK and Ireland venture will get the greenlight.
A native of Tallaght, Kenny fully endorsed the prospect of European Championship games taking place on these isles when quizzed at a press conference at FAI headquarters on Tuesday.
“I think it’s good news overall. It’s positive to have the European Championships in Ireland. It’s a good news story and I’m sure the Irish supporters will look forward to having games in the country. It’s a distance away, but I’m sure they’ll look forward to it when it happens,” Kenny remarked.
Nonetheless, with qualification for Euro 2024 and steady progress in the forthcoming Nations League much higher on his agenda, a tournament that doesn’t take place for another six years won’t be the former Shamrock Rovers boss’ primary focus for the time being.
“I think it’s a good thing for football in the country. My job is to prepare the team for the Nations League coming up and the European Championship qualifiers and to get into Euro 2024. If we achieve that then we can look forward after that, but that’s my main focus,” Kenny added.