Gareth Bale Set to Make International Return for Wales in Euro 2028 Bid
Gareth Bale, the five-time Champions League winner and former captain of Wales, is set to make an international return for his country. Bale, who led Wales to their first World Cup appearance in 64 years in Qatar last year, has been added to the Euro 2028 bid team. The bid aims to bring the competition to the Home Nations and Ireland.
Bale’s Return to International Football
With 111 caps over a 16-year period, Bale is a seasoned international player. If the Euro 2028 bid is successful, he will become one of the poster boys for the championships. The Football Association of Wales (FAW) sees Bale as a crucial part of their bid presentation due to his global fame.
Noel Mooney, the FAW chief executive, expressed his excitement about Bale’s involvement in the bid. He stated that when they approached Bale, he immediately agreed to help them get the bid over the line. Mooney emphasized Bale’s global recognition and how he is often associated with Wales worldwide.
The Joint Bid and Venue
The Home Nations and Ireland have come together to submit a joint bid for Euro 2028. The FAW hopes to host six games at the Principality Stadium in Wales. This iconic venue has previously hosted seven FA Cup finals, Olympic football in 2012, and the 2017 Champions League final between Real Madrid and Juventus.
Mooney believes that hosting multiple matches throughout the tournament will have a more significant impact than a single event like the Champions League final. The FAW sees this bid as an opportunity to showcase Wales on an international stage and boost its global brand.
Challenges and Upgrades
While the FAW is optimistic about their bid, they acknowledge the competition from other bidding nations, particularly Turkey. Uefa will ultimately decide how many automatic places each bidding nation receives in the tournament. Additionally, the FAW recognizes the need for upgrades to the Principality Stadium, which will be renamed the “National Stadium of Wales” if the bid is successful.
Mooney mentioned that the stadium requires improvements in floodlights, scoreboard, hospitality numbers, and the TV compound. Cardiff Council and the Welsh Government are fully supportive of the bid and understand the potential return on investment. The FAW is prepared to invest millions of pounds to ensure the stadium meets the required standards.
The Impact of Hosting Euro 2028
Mooney highlighted the positive impact hosting Euro 2028 could have on Wales. He referenced the success of France as a brand after hosting the 2016 Euros and Germany’s upcoming opportunity with the 2024 tournament. The FAW believes that hosting a series of games will provide long-term benefits and leave a lasting impression on Wales as a footballing nation.
Conclusion
Gareth Bale’s return to international football for Wales in the Euro 2028 bid is an exciting development for both the player and the country. With his global recognition and success in club football, Bale’s involvement will undoubtedly enhance Wales’ chances of securing the hosting rights. The FAW is confident in their bid and sees this as an opportunity to showcase Wales on an international stage, boost tourism, and leave a lasting legacy for football in the country.