Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny believes that it would be a good news story for the country should Ireland prove successful with their joint venture to co-host Euro 2028.
The Government is expected to formally back the bid, which would include both Irish associations, along with those of England, Scotland and Wales.
The deadline for the bid is Wednesday, and the Ireland manager thinks that it would be something for Irish football fans to look forward to over the coming years.
The manager did admit that, based on the current facilities available, the games that will be hosted in the Republic of Ireland would have to take place in Dublin, while he also believes that the prospect of the tournament coming to the country would not have to distract from what is currently being done in the improving of the game.
"I think it's good news overall," said Kenny, speaking at a press conference following training at the FAI headquarters.
"It’s positive to have the European Championships in Ireland, it’s a good news story, and I’m sure the Irish supporters will look forward to having games in the country. It’s a distance away but I’m sure they’ll look forward to it when it happens."
The manager said that he understands the point of view regarding the fear of finances being taken away from improving the infrastructure of the game in Ireland, but stressed his opinion that the two could co-exist.
"They are not sceptics, it’s a point of view, which I respect, I don’t necessarily think they are conflicting," said Kenny.
"I would say that the infrastructure in this country is nowhere near where it needs to be. It needs serious government investment, and the Taoiseach has acknowledged that and said publicly that he wants to investment in academies Ireland.
"We are way behind in this country, but we know that, but I don’t think that is necessarily conflicting with hosting Euro 28.
"Ultimately, Euro 28 is a money generator for the economy, isn’t it?
"I don’t know what is involved with the finance, I have no idea what it is costing or how much it is, I wouldn’t know. I’m not qualified to speak in regard to the exact figures involved.
"Personally, I don’t see it as a negative, and it good if people want to see a major tournament, be part of big events like that.
"Do I want all the resources to be focused on that and away from all the other aspects of football in Ireland, no I don’t, of course not.
"That’s not the question. Can they coexist, can we continue to grow football at all levels in the country and the league and still have Euro 2028 as a separate entity and something to look forward to in several years time? Possibly. That’s the way I see it."
The manager’s contract has been extended to the next edition of the tournament, which is set to be hosted in Germany in 2024, and Kenny admitted that his focus has to remain in the here and now, rather than ponder the prospect of being in charge should the event happen in Ireland four years later.
"It’s a considerable distance away and I have to be focused on the 26 March first and foremost," said Kenny.
"The games next week against Belgium and Lithuania are special games, that [Euro 2028] is in the distance and I’m not going to make big statement about that now.
"But I think it’s a good thing for football in the country. My job is to prepare the team for the Nations League coming up and the European Championship qualifiers and to get into Euro 2024.
"If we achieve that then we can look forward after that, but that’s my main focus."
And with the talk of the competition increasing in size from 24 teams to a 32-team tournament, Kenny was asked his preference, with the manager saying he would have to opt for the obvious.
"I’m going to go with the obvious, as it suits us.
"Qualifying for tournaments is never easy for a country our size, and it would be foolish for me to be against a 32 team competition."
Follow the Republic of Ireland v Belgium this Saturday (kick-off 5pm) via our live blog on RTÉ.ie/sport and the RTÉ News app, or listen to live commentary on RTÉ Radio 1's Saturday Sport.
Listen to the RTÉ Soccer podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
