UK & Ireland 2028 Limited, the company responsible for the delivery of UEFA Euro 2028, has been established and has begun 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 FA, is confirmed Chair of the UK & Ireland 2028 Board. Hewitt was formerly Chair of the UK & Ireland’s successful joint bid for UEFA Euro 2028, which was confirmed by a vote of the UEFA Executive Committee in October 2023.
Hewitt is joined on the Board by three Independent Non-Executive Directors (INEDs). They are Susan Ahern SC, a barrister specialising in sports law, international arbitration and mediation, Aston Villa and England player Tyrone Mings, who was a member of the England squad for UEFA Euro 2020, and Alan Stewart, former Chief Financial Officer at Tesco and Marks & Spencer.
The appointment of the INEDs follows a rigorous open recruitment process.
The position of UK & Ireland 2028 Managing Director on the Board will be held by Chris Bryant MBE. Bryant was formerly head of the UK & Ireland’s successful joint bid for UEFA Euro 2028. He also led the delivery of the record-breaking UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 in England.
The UK & Ireland 2028 Board also comprises the Chief Executive Officers of the host football associations. UK & Ireland Government Partner representatives will contribute to the Board as observers.
The inaugural Board meeting will take place tomorrow (28 March) at the National Stadium of Wales in Cardiff.
Debbie Hewitt MBE, Chair of UK & Ireland 2028, said: “This is a landmark moment in our journey to deliver the best ever UEFA EURO in 2028.
“We look forward to collaborating with football and government colleagues across the multi-nation partnership to host an outstanding tournament, one that is welcoming, inclusive and inspiring.
"Together we are committed to ensuring a safe and sustainable event that boosts football development and creates long-term economic and social benefit."
She said that, working with UEFA, the new company aims to harness the power of European football to engage the next generation of players, fans and volunteers.
Martin Kallen, UEFA Events SA CEO, said: “Today marks a major milestone in our preparations for UEFA Euro 2028. 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."
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.
The Irish FA Chief Executive said: "We continue to work closely with our counterparts across the UK and Ireland on this exciting project and look forward to the inaugural meeting of the new board tomorrow."
