Ian Mallon: The phonecall that changed everything with Euro 2028

Elsewhere and the most prestigious awards on the golf calendar took place this week.

PHONECALL: John Delaney and Greg Clarke held talks about a joint Ireland and UK Euro bid back in 2017. Photo credit: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

IN SUMMER of 2017, Greg Clarke – then Chairman of The FA – picked up his phone and called John Delaney, then CEO of the Football Association of Ireland.

Clarke explained how he wanted England to lead a bid to host the 2030 World Cup along with Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, knowing that the FA’s only chances of hosting the tournament would come as part of a shared process.