DeJa Vu is defined as “that feeling of already experiencing the current situation”, and yet again here we are, The FAI have today announced that they have shelved their current world cup bid, instead to go in on a joint collaboration with the UK for the Euro 2028 tournament.
We have been here before, haven’t we?
What is the point of all this?
Given that the new League of Ireland season is less than two weeks away, the FAI are spending millions of euro on a bid that will, more than likely, fail, or moreso be disregarded by UEFA.
What is the point of all this?
All while our game at home is crying out for major investment and support from our governing body.
Indeed, what is the point of all this?
This isn’t the first time the FAI have launched elaborate bidding attempts to host major tournaments on Irish soil, but what exactly would we get for our major investment?
More than likely, as a joint bidder with the UK, given our lack of infrastructure and lack of world class footballing facilities, would only get a few group stage games played in Tallaght or the Aviva, and one or two last 16 or quarter final games, the majority would be held in the UK, especially given the large amounts of stadia throughout Scotland, England and Wales.
So, again, what is the point of all this?
Why would our governing body spend millions of euro, money they definitely do not have according to recent accounts, investing into a bid to host the UEFA European Championships in 2028, when our clubs at home are struggling from season to season.
What is the point of any of this??
I thought the FAI had turned a corner recently, I thought the rot had been cut out from the core within, I thought Irish Football was in good hands.
I guess I was wrong. I guess a Leopard really doesn’t change its spots.
End.