Post by gw on Sept 28, 2006 13:32:26 GMT -1
The new Lansdowne Road stadium in Dublin will host either a Champions League or Uefa Cup final.
The announcement was made by Uefa on Thursday following a meeting with the Football Association of Ireland.
The project to transform Lansdowne Road into a 50,000 all-seater stadium is expected to be completed by 2009.
"Ireland showed last week with the Ryder Cup that it is capable of hosting the world's major sporting events," said FAI chief executive John Delaney.
He added: "Bringing a Champions League or Uefa Cup final to Lansdowne Road will have a similar impact in terms of promoting the country around the world.
"The Government is investing 191m euro in the redevelopment of Lansdowne Road and the arrival of one of the biggest football matches in the world represents an excellent dividend.
"Uefa have been kept informed of all aspects of the Lansdowne Road development and they are very excited at the prospect of playing one of their show-piece finals there.
"This decision is also a strong vote of confidence by Uefa in the FAI because as the host association we will have a key role in the organisation of the event."
The redevelopment plans received planning permission from Dublin City Council in July, with final approval subject to a final hearing.
Work at the famous old venue in Ballsbridge is expected to start next year.
The announcement was made by Uefa on Thursday following a meeting with the Football Association of Ireland.
The project to transform Lansdowne Road into a 50,000 all-seater stadium is expected to be completed by 2009.
"Ireland showed last week with the Ryder Cup that it is capable of hosting the world's major sporting events," said FAI chief executive John Delaney.
He added: "Bringing a Champions League or Uefa Cup final to Lansdowne Road will have a similar impact in terms of promoting the country around the world.
"The Government is investing 191m euro in the redevelopment of Lansdowne Road and the arrival of one of the biggest football matches in the world represents an excellent dividend.
"Uefa have been kept informed of all aspects of the Lansdowne Road development and they are very excited at the prospect of playing one of their show-piece finals there.
"This decision is also a strong vote of confidence by Uefa in the FAI because as the host association we will have a key role in the organisation of the event."
The redevelopment plans received planning permission from Dublin City Council in July, with final approval subject to a final hearing.
Work at the famous old venue in Ballsbridge is expected to start next year.
