Villa Park on shortlist for UK and Ireland Euro 2028 bid – Sky Sports
Aston Villa’s home stadium Villa Park has been named on the Football Association’s 14-venue shortlist to host the European Championships in 2028, according to Sky Sports.
The UK and Ireland’s joint bid has officially been submitted alongside that of Turkey, with the 125-year-old stadium on the list which will be cut down to 10 when the final bid is presented next April.
With Villa Park the only remaining midlands ground in the running and the stadium set for a significant improvement next summer – which will take capacity beyond 50,000 – it is thought Christian Purslow will get his wish and host major tournament football.
A statement by the FA said: “The bid sets our clear and compelling vision for EURO 2028: ‘Football for all. Football for good. Football for the future’.
“Together we believe we can deliver a world-class tournament, and that hosting UEFA EURO 2028 will achieve a strong and sustainable legacy for football and wider society, helping to drive economic growth in local communities.”
Purslow gets his wish
With the FA determined to ensure the tournament is staged across the width and breadth of the country, Villa Park is likely to make the final 10 ground shortlist after Milton Keynes’ ground – the only other midlands club in the running – was deemed too small to host any matches.
The improvements to Villa Park will surely help its bid, with the new North Stand adding another string to its already brimming bow. Hosting major tournament football was top of Christian Purslow’s wish when he announced the plans for the stadium’s redevelopment, and it looks like this could be a success.
One of either Tottenham Hotspur Stadium or the London Stadium will be culled alongside two of Everton’s, Manchester United’s and Manchester City’s stadiums.
Both Turkey and Russia have also stated their intentions to host the tournament, but the latter has already seen their bid blocked following the country’s ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
In other news, Unai Emery to ask Aston Villa board to sign two Real Madrid players – report.