FAI submits final bid to host 2029 Women's Champions League decider

FAI CEO David Courell said it is the association's "ambition to deliver, what we believe, would be the best Final in the competition’s history." Pic: Ben McShane/Sportsfile

The FAI has made its final submission to Uefa in a bid to host the 2029 Women's Champions League final at the Aviva Stadium. 

A decision on which venue will host the 28th final of the competition will be announced by Uefa in September. France, Switzerland and Wales had also declared interest in hosting the game. 

"With support from the Government of Ireland – through the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport – Dublin City Council and Aviva Stadium, the FAI believes that Dublin is the perfect host city for the 28th staging of the Final of the top women’s club competition in Europe," the FAI said. 

"Through a collaborative approach with key stakeholders, experience of successfully hosting the UEFA Europa League Final in both 2011 and 2024, as well as the preparatory work being done for hosting seven games as part of UEFA EURO 2028, the FAI aims to deliver a Final that will create a unique atmosphere in the world-class Aviva Stadium, showcase a vibrant, welcoming capital city, and leave a legacy that will further boost women and girls’ football in Ireland."

FAI CEO David Courell said it is the association's "ambition to deliver, what we believe, would be the best Final in the competition’s history."

“Irish football has a strong connection to the UEFA Women’s Champions League with four individual winners in Emma Byrne, Ciara Grant, Yvonne Tracy and Katie McCabe," he continued, "while 11 different Irish clubs have competed in qualifiers since its inception. Now, we want to bring its showpiece event to Dublin to inspire the current and next generation of girls.

“We believe that this bid clearly outlines why Dublin is best-placed to host the Final in 2029, how we will welcome supporters and visitors from around the world and where it fits into the FAI’s ongoing commitment to growing women & girls’ football. This bid is about much more than hosting a single game, it is about maximising the opportunity of leading generational change.”