Sunderland could be hosting international football once again in 2028 with the Stadium of Light still under consideration as one of the host stadiums for Euro 2028. That's according to the Times, who claim the home of the Black Cats, along with ten other English grounds are still under consideration to be part of the bid to host the European Championship's in 2028.
The UK and Ireland are bidding against Turkey for Euro 2028 to host the to host, what is expected to be an increased 32-team tournament, with England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland all hosting games. The Republic or Ireland is expected to have two host stadiums in the Aviva Stadium and Croke Park in Dublin – with Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland having one each.
England in comparison, is set to have as low as six or seven stadiums on the list with the likes of Anfield, Elland Road and the Emirates all surprise exclusions. The report states: "The ten stadiums still in contention are: Wembley, the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the London Stadium, Villa Park, Stadium MK, Old Trafford, the Etihad, Everton’s planned Bramley Moore Dock ground, Sunderland’s Stadium of Light and Newcastle United’s St James’ Park. Others, such as Southampton’s St Mary’s, could still qualify for the list if hospitality facilities are upgraded."
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The report adds: "Among the English contenders, some venues, such as Anfield and Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge, have been excluded because their pitches are too small, while others, including Elland Road, have been unable to persuade their local authorities to commit the time and resources required to host games."
The preliminary bid dossier is set to be submitted by mid-November, with the final dossier due in April ahead of a vote in September 2024. The competition would be a welcome boost for the nation following the successful tournament - the delayed Euro 2020 - hosted in 2021, albeit which was marred by fan behaviour in the final.
Turkey are also hopeful of landing the competition, but they've also thrown their hat in the ring to host the 2032 competition - with Italy their opposition for that tournament. Mehmet Buyukeksi, told The Times last month 'that the country can give the UK and Ireland a run for their money, adding that there was no possibility of Turkey withdrawing from the race.'
“No we don’t think about that, definitely, our priority is 2028,” he said. “Our bid dossier for 2028 will be full of surprises.”
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