The UK and Ireland have had their bid to host the 2028 Euros confirmed in a Switzerland ceremony today.
The British Isles bid was unopposed after Turkey pulled out to instead focus on a joint pitch with Italy for Euro 2032.
While host nations are usually given a bye in terms of qualifying for the tournament, there is talk that all five nations could be made to qualify this time round – with two ‘backstop’ qualification spots available for those who miss out.
Euro 2028 will be held over five countries – England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland – the host stadiums were announced in April.
Which ten stadiums are hosting Euro 2028?
Wembley Stadium in London is expected to host the final and is one of six English stadiums included on the announced list.
Also making the cut are Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in North London, Etihad Stadium in Manchester, Everton’s new home at Bramley-Moore Dock and St James’ Park in Newcastle.
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Rounding out the list of chosen venues are Hampden Park in Glasgow, the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, a newly redeveloped Casement Park – which will now hold over 34,000 – in Belfast and Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
Cardiff are vying to host the opening game, and ex-Wales captain Gareth Bale – who attended the announcement ceremony in Nyon – said: “As a Welshman, I would love for Cardiff to host the opening match.”
Why have Old Trafford, Stamford Bridge, Anfield and the Emirates not been chosen?
But some fans have raised questions over why some of the most famous venues in English football have been rejected – Manchester United’s Old Trafford, Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge, Anfield in Liverpool and Arsenal’s Emirates have all not been selected to host.
The reason for Anfield and Stamford Bridge missing out is due to the fact that their respective pitch sizes do not meet Uefa regulations for international tournaments.
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Meanwhile, the Emirates Stadium was rejected in place of Spurs’ brand-new arena as the capital’s chosen site – alongside Wembley.
And United’s iconic ‘Theatre of Dreams’ will not be included after the owners discussed plans to renovate the stadium in the off-season with the FA.
The Glazers are yet to conclude their strategic review as they wrangle over the sale of the club to either Sheikh Jassim of Qatar or Ineos’ Sir Jim Ratcliffe – reported to be the richest man in Britain.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
