SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell believes a new generation of Scottish footballers will be inspired when the nation co-hosts the European Championships in 2028.
It was confirmed last night that Hampden Park will host six matches in the tournament, including a quarter-final tie.
England, Wales and the Republic of Ireland will be the other host nations and, along with Scotland, they will all play their group games in their home stadium should they qualify directly.
Spanning across eight cities in total, the tournament will begin in Cardiff on Friday, June 9, with the final to be held a month later at Wembley on Sunday, July 9.
After the tournament was officially launched last night, SFA chief executive Maxwell said: ‘This is another exciting landmark moment and another step towards us proudly co-hosting UEFA Euro 2028.
‘It’s great for Scotland that we’ll host six games at Hampden Park — including a quarter-final tie.
Hampden Park will play host to six matches at the 2028 European Championships
The full details of host cities and stadiums was revealed in a glitzy ceremony in London
Callum McGregor celebrates scoring for Scotland against Croatia at Hampden at Euro 2020
‘The history of our world-renowned national stadium is peppered with iconic moments, and this represents a fantastic opportunity to add a few more unforgettable memories.
‘I know our supporters — revered across the globe for their dedication and passion — will enjoy having some of the game’s best players on their doorstep.
‘We talk a lot about the power of football and the impact it can make on a daily basis across Scotland, far beyond the confines of a pitch.
‘I have no doubt co-hosting UEFA Euro 2028 will inspire a new generation, young and old, and leave a legacy we can all be proud of in this country.’
It will be the second time that Scotland has co-hosted a major tournament in recent years, having done so back in the Covid-affected Euro 2020.
First Minister John Swinney is confident the event will help create jobs and boost the country’s economy, with financial benefits estimated to be around £270million.
Mr Swinney met children taking part in the SFA’s Extra Time programme yesterday at the Barlia Football Centre in Castlemilk.
SFA chief executive Maxwell believes hosting the event can be transformational for young fans
The programme provides free activities for primary aged pupils outside of school hours to support families on low incomes.
Speaking afterwards, Mr Swinney said the Scottish Government is investing £73m into co-hosting the Euro 2028, which will include security costs and some upgrades to Hampden to ensure compliance with UEFA’s requirements.
Mr Swinney said: ‘We’re investing £73m in hosting the tournament, but the economic and social benefits for Scotland, as a consequence, will be very, very significant, including extensive community involvement and participation.
‘This is a major opportunity for Scotland to host a sporting tournament, a football tournament that attracts huge audiences around the world.
‘It’ll be a great advocate for Scotland and a great opportunity to enhance sporting activity in our country. All of our investment in tournaments of this type are designed to make sure that we can sustain and support a sporting legacy.’
The Scottish Parliament passed stage one of the UEFA European Championship (Scotland) Bill earlier this week. The Bill aims to ensure the prohibition of unauthorised ticket sales for profit, restrictions on unauthorised street trading and advertising within designated event zones, and provide enforcement powers to the authorities to implement these protections.
