UEFA have concerns that England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland might still get to play at Euro 2028 even if they have been knocked out in qualifying; the four home nations and Ireland were confirmed as hosts for the tournament
Tuesday 10 October 2023 13:18, UK
Some high-ranking UEFA officials have concerns over a suggestion that England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland might still be allowed to play in Euro 2028 even if they have been knocked out in qualifying.
The five countries were confirmed on Tuesday as joint hosts for the tournament, with Turkey withdrawing their application as they intend to put in a joint bid with Italy for Euro 2032.
However, Sky Sports News has been told UEFA is sticking to its rules which say no more than two host nations can be granted automatic qualifying spots for the tournament finals. This would be welcomed by The FA, who want England to remain competitive by going through the qualifying process.
Since it would be impossible for the four home nations and Ireland to agree on which of them should be given special treatment, all five will enter the competition in the qualifying rounds.
What happens after that - and for any of the five countries which fails to qualify - is the key to ongoing discussions.
It remains possible that the two "automatic" qualification places are held in reserve, and could be used by any of the five countries who fail to qualify in the usual way.
However, Sky Sports News been told that many within UEFA are "uncomfortable" with the idea of countries who have failed in qualifying being handed a spot in the finals regardless.
If, for example, three of the five countries failed to qualify, it would be equally messy to decide which two of those three would progress to the tournament.
One possibility is that the best-performing two countries in qualifying would be granted a "wild card" for the finals.
Further high-level negotiations are expected in the next few days.
Former Wales international Gareth Bale to Sky Sports News:
"You'd love to just have an automatic spot to play in a tournament, but I do think it's important teams try to qualify by merit.
"It's also important for the teams heading into the tournament because you want to be having regular, proper game time that means something.
"If you qualify, then you head into a tournament in good form and when you play against these big teams in major tournaments you want to be ready.
"Competitive football is the most important and to be ready for that, it is vitally important."
