Ireland’s application to co-host Euro 2028 was formally submitted to UEFA this morning.
And barring an unlikely late entry from another bidder by tonight's 10pm deadline, the Ireland-Britain bid is set to run unopposed.
The FAI has been accused of chasing a vanity project by looking to host a major tournament when money could be better spent on other aspects of Irish football.
But FAI chief executive Jonathan Hill believes Euro 2028 will generate a financial windfall to serve all strands of the game here.
Hill said: “The sporting and economic benefits that hosting the tournament present would be of major significance across all levels of our game for many years to come.
“If successful, I would see this as a catalyst for real growth in the game up to the tournament and beyond.
“(It would) generate new monies that can help further investment across all aspects of Irish football, be it in facilities or coaching.”
Hill also hailed today’s official submission of the Euro 2028 bid as a “significant day for Irish football”.
Minister for Sport Catherine Martin said: “The Government have agreed to support the football associations of the UK and Ireland with their submission.
“Officials in my Department will continue their examination of the costs and benefits of hosting the tournament prior to any final decision to bid.
“Hosting EURO 2028 games in Ireland could bring lots of benefits, not least to Ireland’s tourism sector.
“Hosting the tournament also offers a very considerable opportunity to strengthen East-West and North-South relations in the years ahead.”
