UK & Ireland 2028 Limited, the company responsible for the local delivery of UEFA EURO 2028, has been established and has commenced 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):
Susan Ahern SC: barrister specialising in sports law, international arbitration and mediation.
Tyrone Mings: Aston Villa and England player, and a member of the national squad for UEFA EURO 2020.
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.
These appointments demonstrate the strong professional expertise and track-record of success across the partnership to deliver large-scale major event projects. This includes wide-ranging corporate and senior management experience spanning international football and other sports, commerce, law and retail.
The inaugural Board meeting will take place on 28 March at the National Stadium of Wales, 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.
"Working with UEFA, we aim to harness the power of European football to engage the next generation of players, fans and volunteers."
Ian Maxwell, Scottish FA CEO, said: "The creation of the Delivery Company represents a significant milestone in the planning phase of UEFA EURO 2028 UK & Ireland.
"It will enable us to bring together a vastly experienced group, representing all host nations, to create an unforgettable tournament experience for all.
"We want to deliver a festival of football that brings together the unique strands of the respective host nations; a global spectacle that Scotland will be proud to play a part of, ideally both on and off the pitch."
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.
"We look forward to continuing our excellent collaboration with our partners in the UK and Ireland, including the respective governments and host cities, and look forward to seeing this new structure come to life through a dedicated workforce. Together, we will organise an unforgettable tournament that will captivate football fans around the world."
With preparations for UEFA EURO fully underway, the UK & Ireland 2028 Delivery Company will work closely with Government Partners to deliver their defined areas of responsibility, including:
Deliver world-class hosting conditions, including mobility and airport operations, as a foundation for an exceptional experience for fans, participating National Associations and other key target groups.
Host city relations, stadium liaison and local stakeholder management to ensure an integrated approach to planning and delivery.
Tournament safety, security and medical services to ensure a welcoming and positive environment for all those attending the tournament, and an elevated matchday fan experience within and outside stadia.
Social impact and environmental sustainability initiatives which create positive community benefits before, during and after the tournament.
Best-in-class team training facilities to help participating nations prepare for one of the world’s largest and most prestigious sporting events.
Volunteering programmes which engage communities and visitors to create an unforgettable and celebratory welcome for all.
As with previous EURO Championships, and as the competition owner, UEFA will retain responsibility for operational, competition, sporting, integrity and regulatory, marketing and commercial, ticketing and hospitality matters.
Further tournament announcements will be made as preparations progress.