LONDON (DPA) – As announced, football associations from Great Britain and Ireland have submitted joint applications to host the 2028 European Championships.

The application deadline is Wednesday. UEFA wants the European Football Association to announce potential candidates in early April. The tournament must be accompanied by the 2032 finals.

“We believe Euro 2028 will be one of the biggest sporting events the UK and Ireland have ever hosted,” she said in a joint statement. “This unprecedented participation of five associations offers something unique to European football, including the possibility of an expanded tournament.” The EM 2028 may take place for the first time with 32 teams replacing the previous 24 teams.

In February, the associations of England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland announced that they would not be bidding for the 2030 World Cup. Last year, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke happily about World Cup plans. However, after the failure of the 2006 and 2018 English World Cup appearances, he received sharp criticism.