Euro 2028: Gareth Bale joined by Wales' first Muslim referees

Former Wales captain Gareth Bale was present at the announcement in Nyon along with representatives from each of the host nations

Wales' first female Muslim referees have said it was "mad" to join Gareth Bale on stage as the UK and Ireland were confirmed as hosts of Euro 2028.

Rosheen and Eleeza Khan, from Grangetown, Cardiff, were invited to the Uefa ceremony in Switzerland by the Football Association of Wales (FAW).

The sisters said it was amazing to represent Wales on the biggest stage in European football.

The trip to Nyon was also their first time visiting mainland Europe.

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17-year-old Eleeza said it was a surreal moment when Uefa approved the joint bid from the UK and Republic of Ireland.

"Being in the Uefa headquarters, it's a once in a lifetime thing, I was just trying to soak it all in and enjoy the moment."

Her sister, 19-year-old Rosheen added that she did not know what to do when it was announced and they were called on stage.

"I was stood there taking it all in, and there's (Gianluigi) Buffon, and the Uefa president in the room."

The girls say they are looking forward to the tournament coming to Wales

The girls were told they had been chosen as ambassadors for the trip to Nyon, which was their first trip to Europe.

"It's pretty cool that our first trip to Europe was to the Uefa headquarters in Switzerland, and we got to see the trophy.

"We are just two girls from Grangetown, I cant describe the feeling, I know I will never do this again, so I am just taking it all in," said Rosheen.

The sisters said they believed they were the first women to wear the hijab on Uefa's stage.

"It was broadcast all over the world, it just feels so empowering, and it's such a proud moment for us.

"It's a huge thing, especially because it's me and Eleeza from Wales, Wales isn't a very diverse place, I know Cardiff is, but Wales isn't, so it was amazing to represent our country, our community and our religion," said Rosheen.

"It must have been a big deal for Uefa as well, to have us there, breaking down barriers," said Eleeza.

The sisters say they were blown away by the opportunity to represent Wales on the global stage

She added that it was a big moment for her and Rosheen to have the Welsh shirt on, and have the hijab on.

"Because we are a minority, we get hate comments that we aren't Welsh, but we are!

"We have struggled in the past with being Welsh, and wearing the hijab, and battled with it, so it was nice to being the two together," said Rosheen.

On meeting Gareth Bale, the girls said it had become second nature at this point as they were playing golf with him the day before they were told that they were going to Geneva.

"He remembered us, he's a nice guy."

The sisters said they were excited for the chance of watching their national team play at the Principality, and will be getting in touch with Noel Mooney to make sure they have tickets for the first game.