UK and Ireland submit Euro 2028 bid with 10 venues – but no Old Trafford

The United Kingdom and Ireland have submitted their final bid to co-host Euro 2028, setting out plans to stage a “record-breaking and unforgettable” tournament.

The bid includes matches across England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, with more tickets available than for any previous European Championship finals. Wembley, the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, St James’ Park, Villa Park and Everton’s new stadium will all host matches in England, as will Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium, which has been preferred to Old Trafford.

The Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Hampden Park in Glasgow, Dublin’s Aviva Stadium and Casement Park in Belfast - which requires building work - are the other venues being proposed in the bid.

“Our pioneering five-way partnership will deliver a record-breaking and unforgettable Uefa Euro,” Debbie Hewitt, chair of UK and Ireland bid, said in a statement. “We will work together tirelessly to be the best partners for Uefa and to deliver on every one of our shared priorities. We will focus on growing football, connecting with and engaging new fans, players and volunteers.

“We continue to invest £50m (€57m) annually into grassroots football development across our five associations. Together, we want Uefa Euro 2028 to be the catalyst for a new and sustainable era for football, from the grassroots to the very top of the European game.”

Support from all governments involved in the bid came in the form of a joint statement from prime minister Rishi Sunak, Scotland first minister Humza Yousaf, First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar.

“Together, our nations will host an outstanding Uefa Euro 2028,” it read.“It will be the biggest sporting event our islands