Euro 2028: How losing home nations and Ireland could still qualify through bizarre UEFA loophole
By Exclusive
Euro 2028: How losing home nations and Ireland could still qualify through bizarre UEFA loophole
UEFA have concerns that England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland might still get to play at Euro 2028 even if they have been knocked out in qualifying; the four home nations and Ireland are expected to be confirmed as hosts for the tournament
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UEFA have concerns that the four home nations and Ireland could play at Euro 2028 even if they are knocked out in qualifying
Some high-ranking UEFA officials have concerns over a suggestion that England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland might still be allowed to play in Euro 2028 even if they have been knocked out in qualifying.The five countries are expected to be confirmed a week today as joint hosts for the tournament, with Turkey withdrawing their application as they intend to put in a joint bid with Italy for Euro 2032.
However, Sky Sports News has been told UEFA is sticking to its rules which say no more than two host nations can be granted automatic qualifying spots for the tournament finals.
Since it would be impossible for the four home nations and Ireland to agree on which of them should be given special treatment, all five will enter the competition in the qualifying rounds.
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UK & Ireland host stadiums:
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Wembley Stadium (London)
Principality Stadium (Cardiff)
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (London)
Etihad Stadium (Manchester)
Everton Stadium (Liverpool)
St James’ Park (Newcastle)
Villa Park (Birmingham)
Hampden Park (Glasgow)
Aviva Stadium (Dublin)
Casement Park (Belfast)
What happens after that – and for any of the five countries which fails to qualify – is the key to ongoing discussions.
It remains possible that the two “automatic” qualification places are held in reserve, and could be used by any of the five countries who fail to qualify in the usual way.
However, Sky Sports 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 example, three of the five countries failed to qualify, it would be equally messy to decide which two of those three would progress to the tournament.One possibility is that the best-performing two countries in qualifying would be granted a “wild card” for the finals.Further high-level negotiations are expected in the next few days, but UEFA is keen to avoid any suggestion that they are pre-empting the decision on where Euro 2028 will be staged.
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