My thoughts in Conservative Home on sporting tournaments and politics:
Extract:
With by-election fall-out at home and tragedies unfolding abroad, sport has slipped off the news agenda lately. But its impact can go far beyond the stadium, transforming economies, for better or worse. It can even play a role in bringing nations together – though sadly, not always. Hosting awards may have major political ramifications.
Firstly, some good news. With their sole opponent (Turkey) dropping out, the UK and Ireland have been awarded the UEFA Euro 2028 football tournament. Joint hosting is increasingly common for this ever-expanding event, including the COVID-delayed, trans-continental Euro 2020. And this latest collaborative venture should be a strong one.