Euro 2028: FAI provide update on status of extra game hope for Aviva Stadium
FAI chiefs are very confident that Dublin will host an additional group game at Euro 2028.
With Ireland confirmed as co-hosts, the Aviva Stadium is expected to host four group games and two knock-out games, including a quarter-final.
Now there is another group game that is set to be ring-fenced for the Lansdowne Road venue after UEFA was forced to relocate the five games earmarked for Belfast due to the Casement Park redevelopment project not getting off the ground.
"I am very confident we will secure an additional game in Dublin," said FAI chief executive officer David Courell. "I think it's an additional group game, still subject to final approval from UEFA. I'm very confident."
With the FAI on the lookout for a new chief football officer to replace Marc Canham, Courell confirmed that senior Ireland managers Heimir Hallgrimsson and Carla Ward will report to him for the time being.
"The world will keep spinning," said Courell. "We will still be able to continue business as usual. "For clarity, Heimir and Carla will report into me in the intervening period.
"A review is something we are committed to, it's not just a Marc Canham thing. It's something we see value in having consistency at the end of each and every campaign.
"I hope we'll have someone in to conclude that review. If not, I will lean on the support of the expertise in-house to support me in carrying out that review, simple as."
Canham came under the spotlight as the public face of the FAI's prolonged search for a successor to Stephen Kenny as the men's national team boss, and for the choice of Hallgrimsson - who was not a well known figure.
Asked if appointing the former Iceland and Jamaica boss was a risk, Courell replied: "It was a calculated risk from Marc, one I believe will pay off.
"I think all of us involved in that decision can see the benefits of what Heimir has brought to the team, there's optimism around our forthcoming qualification campaign.
"We are confident and comfortable with our decision. Time will tell but early indications are that we were right to hold our nerve, and we stand by that."
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