The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has formally submitted an initial expression of interest to UEFA regarding the potential to host the UEFA Women’s Champions League Final in 2029.
This early-stage step is part of UEFA’s wider process inviting nations to explore the opportunity of staging major club finals.
For the FAI, it represents an exciting chance to continue the growth of women & girl’s football and support its strategic ambitions of enhancing Ireland’s standing as a trusted host for major football events, and build on the momentum of UEFA EURO 2028, where Ireland is a co-host along with England, Scotland and Wales.
The expression of interest will enable the FAI, along with the Aviva Stadium, the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, and Dublin City Council, to review the bid requirements in full and explore how the event could deliver lasting value for the game in Ireland.
The Association will consider submitting a formal bid based on a clear understanding of the legacy potential, delivery feasibility and financial considerations on the back of engagement with all partners as part of this exploratory phase.
Lyon, Basel and Cardiff are listed as the other host cities in contention for staging the final in four years’ time.
In 2024 the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport released a document ‘Major international sports events policy and strategy framework‘, which aims to promote Ireland as a host for major sporting events.
The framework sets out a strategic approach to bidding for major international sports events and maximising the benefits of such events whenever Ireland hosts them.
The Republic of Ireland’s Katie McCabe lifted the Champions League trophy with her club side Arsenal in May this year and played the full 90 minutes in their narrow 1-0 win over Barcelona.
