merrion street

Minister Ross and Minister of State Griffin welcome today’s news regarding the announcement of a joint bid by the Football Association of Ireland and the Irish Football Association to host the UEFA Under-21 Championship in 2023, which is due to be submitted to UEFA next year with a decision expected in early 2020. If successful, it is expected that both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland would qualify as hosts for the 2023 Championship.

In welcoming today’s announcement Minister Ross said:

I welcome this historic joint bid by the FAI and the IFA to host the UEFA Under-21 Championship in 2023, which I understand is the second biggest football tournament in Europe after the UEFA Euros. It brings together the brightest and most promising football talent from across Europe and the prospect of hosting matches here is very exciting.

Ireland is already preparing to host the UEFA Under-17 Championship next summer and four games during UEFA Euro 2020. Furthermore, along with their partners in England, Scotland and Wales, the FAI and the IFA are also both participating in a feasibility study into the possibility of jointly hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Therefore, we clearly have plenty of experience to draw upon when it comes to bidding for and hosting major international sporting events. Our tourism and sport infrastructure are amongst the finest in Europe and are well capable of providing all of the modern facilities required by participants and spectators alike. 

Minister Griffin said:

I welcome the fact that this is the first time that the FAI and IFA have worked together on a joint bid. North-South co-operation on tourism and our all-island approach to international tourism marketing has already been of huge benefit to both jurisdictions. Should this bid be successful I am confident that it will further strengthen bonds and boost tourism north and south. It provides a great opportunity to introduce a new audience to the huge range of wonderful tourism experiences and attractions available across the island of Ireland.