Tuesday Morning: Ireland Could Potentially Host One Quarter Of Euro 2028 Games

Joint venture to host games with Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales & England football associations.

SOCCER

The island of Ireland could be set to host a quarter of games at Euro 2028 if their bid to host the tournament is successful.

The FAI is part of a joint venture with Football Associations in Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England to win the right to host.

It's reported that if the bid is successful, up to 12 matches could be held here under the current format.

A decision on a host for the tournament is due to be made next year.

Euro 2028 joint bid could see Ireland host a quarter of games https://t.co/TN8gYDe8J3 via @IrishTimesPol

— Irish Times Politics (@IrishTimesPol) February 22, 2022

Vera Pauw's Republic of Ireland round off their Pinatar Cup campaign today.

They take on Wales in the third-place play-off in Spain.

Heather Payne is set to be available, having recovered from a groin injury.

Kick-off at the Pinatar Arena is at 2.30pm.

PREVIEW | 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 v 🇮🇪

WNT aim to close out Pinatar Cup on a high in Third-Place Play-Off ⚽️

📆 Tuesday, Feb 22
🏆 Pinatar Cup
⏰ KO 14:30 (Irish Time)
📺 LIVE on FAITV
📝 Preview 👉 https://t.co/eYUFBXEWS2#WALIRL | #COYGIG | #WeAreOne pic.twitter.com/ABb1hmJKgV

— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) February 21, 2022

French champions Lille provide the opposition for Chelsea as they resume their Champions League campaign tonight.

The two sides meet in the first leg of their last 16 tie at Stamford Bridge.

Ready for tomorrow's challenge! 💪#UCL

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) February 21, 2022

Also tonight, Italian giants Juventus go to Villarreal.

Kick off for both games is at 8pm.

TENNIS

Novak Djokovic made a winning return as he played for the first time since the controversy over his vaccine status last month.

The world number one beat Lorenzo Musetti in straight sets at the Dubai Tennis Championships.

The 34 year-old had his visa cancelled ahead of last month's Australian Open and was subsequently deported before the first Grand Slam of the year.

Djokovic says he was delighted with the reception he received:

Couldn’t have asked for a better reception back on court 🙏🏼 #DDFTennis #NoleFam

📸: Karim Sahib pic.twitter.com/fEhcyYBCfD

— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) February 21, 2022

Andy Murray is also through after a win over Australia's Christopher O'Connell.

'People keep telling me to keep playing as long as you can, nothing will replace it [tennis]'@andy_murray on what tennis means to him 😊#DDFTennis pic.twitter.com/PZk7GOL7UG

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) February 21, 2022

CRICKET

A place at the T20 World Cup is at stake for Ireland later this morning.

The team will qualify for the tournament in Australia if they beat Oman in their qualifier semi-final.

The game is due to get underway in Oman at 10am, Irish time.

SNOOKER

Fergal O’Brien is in first round action at the European Masters in Milton Keynes this morning.

The Dubliner faces Wu Yize of China.

This afternoon, Antrim’s Jordan Brown plays the world number 1 Mark Selby.

RACING

Sunday's planned card for Navan goes ahead today.

An eight-race programme is scheduled to get underway at 1.10pm.