The city of Liverpool and Everton's new stadium will be part of the UK and Ireland's bid to host UEFA Euro 2028.
England, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales are hoping to jointly host the four-yearly football tournament and if the bid is successful, the city of Liverpool will play a key role.
The bid is based around 10 UK stadiums in famous sporting cities, home to clubs with strong footballing histories and heritage. It is also crucial that the stadiums have quick and sustainable transport links and nearby accommodation.
Everton’s new home will be located on the banks of the River Mersey and is set to become part of the city’s world-famous waterfront. The Blues hope the stadium will be one of the most accessible and sustainable sporting venues in the country.
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The joint bid sets out a vision for the tournament: “Football for all. Football for good. Football for the future.” The aim is to grow a more diverse and inclusive game as well as connect with new audiences and the next generation of fans – staging an historic event which will bring people together.
The bid promises to shine a light on Liverpool’s 'vibrant and welcoming' culture, inviting fans to enjoy the city’s famous destinations and landmarks. The organisers say their ambition is to create new opportunities to play football across all ages, genders and abilities and make football more accessible, fan and family friendly, and inclusive.
City leaders believe the move will also provide longer term benefits through tourism promotion, social enterprise and other business and training opportunities that will provide people with skills for life.
The ten stadiums and capacities are:
1. Wembley Stadium, London (90,652)
2. National Stadium of Wales, Cardiff (73,952)
3. Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London (62,322)
4. City of Manchester Stadium, Manchester (61,000)
5. Everton Stadium, Liverpool (52,679)
6. St James’ Park, Newcastle (52,305)
7. Villa Park, Birmingham (52,190)
8. Hampden Park, Glasgow (52,032)
9. Dublin Arena, Dublin (51,711)
10. Casement Park, Belfast (34,500)
UEFA will announce the winning host in October 2023.
Interim chief executive of Liverpool City Council Theresa Grant said: “It is fantastic news that the City of Liverpool and the new Everton FC stadium is part of the UK and Ireland’s bid to host UEFA EURO 2028.
“Our city has football in its DNA and we are used to giving a massive welcome to football fans from across Europe and beyond. From European Capital of Culture to Eurovision, Liverpool has an unrivalled track record in delivering diverse and inclusive festivals.
“UEFA EURO 2028 in Liverpool would be much more than games taking place on the pitch as we will develop a programme that will involve the whole city and wider Liverpool City Region.”
Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: “Few places can claim to have made a bigger impact on English - and European - football than the Liverpool City Region. Quite simply, nowhere is more qualified or experienced to host one of Europe’s biggest sporting spectacles.
“As our area gears up to welcome hundreds of thousands of people for the Grand National Festival, the Eurovision Song Contest and The Open Championship over the next few months, we’ve already proven that we have the capability, creativity and culture to put on unforgettable shows for visitors from around the world. I believe we’re already the UK’s cultural capital but, once complete, the new stadium at Bramley Moore will be another feather in our cap.
“The new ground is just a stone’s throw from the city centre, has accessible transport links to hospitality and leisure facilities across the region, and will be the perfect venue for football fans to soak in the unique culture that our area is famous for. I’ve got everything crossed that the UK and Ireland’s bid comes out top."
Denise Barrett-Baxendale, chief executive of Everton FC said: “Through Everton Stadium, Everton Football Club is proud to be representing the City of Liverpool and to be part of the UK and Ireland’s compelling proposal to host UEFA EURO 2028.
“The prestige of being a host city brings many benefits beyond participating in a festival of football; it will allow the club and the local authorities to build on the already transformational impact that Everton Stadium will bring to our city region and to inspire young people from many of our diverse communities.
“In 1966, Goodison Park hosted five matches, including a World Cup semi-final. That tournament is fondly remembered by people across the North West and it introduced the region to new cultures and outlooks.
“I am sure if the UK and Ireland’s bid is successful then UEFA EURO 2028 will create new memories and another legacy that will last a generation.”
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