Online Desk: The UK and Ireland have been confirmed by Uefa as the hosts of the men’s European Championship in 2028. The decision was a formality after Turkey withdrew its bid last week, reports The Gaurdian.

Ten venues across the five host countries were proposed to Uefa for a tournament to be contested by 24 teams, 10. Six of those venues are in England and one each in Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Scotland and Wales. It raises the prospect of Wembley hosting the 2028 final, seven years after it hosted a men’s Euros final and six years after it hosted a women’s Euros final. About three million tickets will be for sale and the organisers aim to price them fairly.

The collective bid made its presentation to Uefa’s executive committee on Tuesday and the award of the tournament was then rubber-stamped. Bid leaders estimate that the 2028 tournament is projected to generate about €3.0 billion of economic benefit for the five host nations. The five teams are expected to participate in qualification in the normal fashion, with Uefa reserving two “safety net” berths for host teams that do not qualify on merit. If more than two sides fall short, only the two with the best record will get a place – so it is possible for host nations to miss out.

Wembley is set to host the final – and potentially both semi-finals – with the other English venues included in April’s final bid submission being the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the Etihad Stadium, Villa Park, St James’ Park and Everton’s new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock. Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, Hampden Park in Glasgow, Dublin’s Aviva Stadium and a redeveloped Casement Park in Belfast will also host matches.

“Nothing is ever a formality even right until the last minute,” said Debbie Hewitt, chair of the English FA. “We took nothing for granted. There’s so many things that you might think might divide, but actually it has really unified. I think that will be something that we all feel very proud of.” The former Wales international Gareth Bale added that the tournament would boost the game there. “I think it’s important especially for Wales to keep on the map, to keep pushing forward, to keep trying and better ourselves,” he said.

Prime minister Rishi Sunak said a “whole new generation” would be inspired by hosting the tournament. Speaking to reporters while on a visit to England’s training base at St George’s Park, he said: “It’s fantastic to be here to celebrate the great news that the UK and Ireland have been chosen to host the men’s Euros in 2028.

“I grew up with Euro 96 being one of the most amazing memories of my childhood. And we have a chance to do that all over again for lots more people just like we did last year with the Lionesses. We host tournaments better than anyone else. It’s going to be a massive boost for the economy. We’re going to welcome millions of people to the country, and it’s going to inspire a whole new generation. So it’s great news and it was great to be here with the team and Gareth [Southgate] to celebrate.” Turkey and Italy will jointly host Euro 2032.