Ian Maxwell explains Celtic Park and Ibrox Euro 2028 snub as Hampden upgrades won't be 'anything substantial'

Ian Maxwell has revealed Hampden was the only 'fitting' stadium in Scotland to host Euro 2028 games.

The major finals in five years time will be held across the UK and Ireland, with the likes of Wembley Stadium, the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and the Etihad Stadium leading some of the biggest games in the tournament. And the national stadium in Glasgow, Hampden Park, will be the setting for major games as Steve Clarke's men edge closer to qualification for next year's version of the tournament in Germany. And while the joint bid has fans excited, the long-awaited upgrades to the Mount Florida stadium won't be 'substantial' says the Scottish Football Association's Chief Executive.

Maxwell also revealed the likes of Celtic Park and Ibrox were not in consideration as only 'iconic' Hampden would be fitting for such an occasion. Sky Sports report that 28 matches will be played in England across multiple venues but that Scotland could host just up to six games.

Maxwell said: "Hampden Park is the national stadium, it's world famous for hosting matches. We're in the house of UEFA today and the video club is showing Zinedine Zidane scoring in the Champions League final which is an iconic moment that everyone remembers and associates with Hampden. As the SFA, we want to see games played at the national stadium. That's the only fitting place to hold such a prestigious event."

On Hampden upgrades, he added: "There will be changes made to the stadium in terms of preparation for Euro 2028. We need to be realistic about what those are. There will be tweaks and upgrades rather than anything substantial because it's important we use the income and interest that this game will generate to help the game across the country for future