UK & Ireland 2028 Limited – the organisation responsible for delivering UEFA EURO 2028 in the UK and Ireland – has officially commenced operations, marking a significant step in preparations for the largest sporting event ever jointly hosted by the five nations.
UK & Ireland 2028 Limited, incorporated with the football associations of England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland as shareholders, will oversee tournament planning in accordance with UEFA’s hosting agreement.
Debbie Hewitt MBE, Chair of The Football Association (FA), has been appointed Chair of the UK & Ireland 2028 Board. Hewitt previously led the UK and Ireland’s successful joint bid for the tournament, which was confirmed by UEFA in October 2023.
The Board will also include three Independent Non-Executive Directors (INEDs):
- Susan Ahern SC – a barrister specialising in sports law, international arbitration, and mediation.
- Tyrone Mings – Aston Villa and England player, who was part of the national squad for UEFA EURO 2020.
- Alan Stewart – former Chief Financial Officer at Tesco and Marks & Spencer.
Chris Bryant MBE, who played a key role in the successful EURO 2028 bid and the delivery of UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 in England, has been appointed Managing Director.
The CEOs of the host football associations will also sit on the Board, with government partner representatives participating as observers.
The newly established Delivery Company will collaborate closely with UEFA and government partners to ensure a seamless tournament experience. Key priorities include:
- World-class hosting conditions – including transport and infrastructure support for fans and teams.
- Stadium and host city management – ensuring integrated coordination between venues and local authorities.
- Safety, security, and medical services – to deliver a welcoming and secure environment for all attendees.
- Social and environmental sustainability initiatives – aimed at generating lasting benefits beyond the tournament.
- Top-tier training facilities – to support national teams competing in the tournament.
- Community engagement and volunteering programmes – to enhance fan experience and local participation.
UEFA Events SA CEO, Martin Kallen, emphasised the collaborative approach, stating: “UK & Ireland 2028 Limited will play a key role in delivering UEFA EURO 2028 to the highest standards. We look forward to working closely with our partners to make this a tournament to remember.”
The first Board meeting will take place on 28 March at the National Stadium of Wales in Cardiff, setting the stage for the next phase of preparations. Further updates on the tournament’s progress are expected in the coming months.
