Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium is being considered as a potential host venue for the British and Irish bid to host Euro 2028, but Manchester United’s Old Trafford will not make the cut.
The initial list of 14 stadiums will be reduced to ten before the official submission next week.
Old Trafford’s omission from the list is due to concerns over its modernity, as United officials consider their options for expanding, redeveloping, or rebuilding the stadium.
The delay in this process, caused by the Glazers’ decision to sell the club, has resulted in Old Trafford being left off the final venue shortlist.
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The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is the only other London site included in the final ten, but it may be replaced by West Ham’s London Stadium if a naming rights deal is agreed upon, as UEFA rules require all venues to be unbranded and neutral.
A United statement also confirmed uncertainty over the stadium’s availability during potential redevelopment work also contributed to the decision to dismiss Old Trafford as a possible host venue.
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“Manchester United were pleased to put Old Trafford forward as a potential host of UEFA Euro 2028 matches and proud of the strong case we made,” a statement read.
“However, during follow-up discussions with the FA, it became clear that we were unable to provide the necessary certainty around the availability of Old Trafford due to the potential redevelopment of the stadium. As a result, we have mutually agreed to withdraw from the shortlist of potential hosts.
“We are committed to maintaining Old Trafford’s status as the largest and most iconic club football ground in England and look forward to future opportunities to host international matches and major events at ‘the Theatre of Dreams’.
“Everyone at Manchester United wishes the FA the best of luck with the bid to host the tournament in 2028.”
