There are concerns among high-ranking UEFA officials regarding the possibility of allowing England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland to participate in Euro 2028, even if they have been eliminated in the qualifying stage. It is anticipated that these five countries will be officially announced as joint hosts for the tournament in one week, while Turkey, who competed against them for the 2028 bid, is now focusing on a joint bid alongside Italy for 2032.
UEFA remains committed to its regulations, which state that only two host nations can receive automatic qualifying spots for the tournament finals. As a result, it is not feasible for the four home nations and Ireland to come to an agreement regarding preferential treatment. Consequently, all five countries will participate in the qualifying rounds of the competition.
The outcome of these discussions is crucial for what occurs next, particularly for any of the five countries that do not qualify. There is a potential scenario where the two "automatic" qualification spots are kept aside and can be utilized by any of the five countries that fail to qualify conventionally.
However, We News been told that many within UEFA are "uncomfortable" with the idea of countries who have failed in qualifying being handed a spot in the finals regardless.
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Wembley Stadium was breached by ticketless supporters before the Euro 2020 final between England and Italy back in 2021
If, for instance, three out of the five countries do not qualify, determining which two among those three should advance to the tournament would be a complex task.
A potential solution would be to award a "wild card" to the top two performing countries in the qualifying rounds for the finals.
Further high-level negotiations are anticipated in the coming days; however, UEFA is determined to refrain from any insinuation that they are anticipating the outcome regarding the host of Euro 2028.
What could stop the UK & Ireland Euro 2028 bid?
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The chances of the UK and Ireland hosting Euro 2028 have greatly improved. However, it is important to note that UEFA has requested a full bid presentation in Nyon, Switzerland on October 10, and Turkey has not withdrawn from the process.
Noel Mooney, the Chief Executive of the Football Association of Wales (FAW) and a former UEFA executive, is remaining impartial regarding the potential outcome.
Mooney stated, "I have not received any indication that Turkey is withdrawing from hosting the event in 2028. Until there is official communication, we must accept the current situation. We have not been informed otherwise, and until we leave the auditorium in Nyon, we will not assume victory. We are not taking anything for granted, as this is the intersection of sport, football, and politics."
The joint UK & Ireland bid swiftly reached agreements on all aspects. We have a clear vision of our objectives, successfully aligning our individual aspirations and are content with our current progress.
