"Consultation between Man United and the FA led to a mutual agreement that the famous ground which was one of eight host venues at EURO 1996 and hosted the 2003 Champions League final would not be included as there was a plan redevelopment. The club announced this in 2023, but earlier this year, intentions for a new stadium were outlined. Either way, Man United could not commit amid fears they may be forced to withdraw nearer the time with the Manchester spot instead going to the Etihad Stadium."
"The home of Manchester United has a capacity of just over 74,000 and was initially shortlisted by the Football Association as a potential venue for the tournament, which will take place in England, Wales, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland. While there were suggestions online that Old Trafford's non-selection was due to the decaying nature of the stadium, most notably its infamous leaking roof, the reason for its absence is actually much more straightforward."
"Old Trafford is not the only iconic stadium missing from the list with Anfield also not selected for the rather peculiar reason of their pitch measurements not being up to size. The Emirates Stadium was also not selected with the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium getting the second London spot alongside Wembley. Cardiff's Principality Stadium will host the opening game of the tournament, while both semi-finals and the final will be played at Wembley."
Nine stadiums were chosen for EURO 2028 across England, Wales, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland. Old Trafford was excluded after Manchester United and the Football Association agreed the club could not commit because of planned stadium redevelopment, so Manchester's host slot will go to the Etihad. Online speculation blamed structural issues such as the leaking roof, but redevelopment and availability were decisive. Anfield missed out because pitch dimensions did not meet requirements. The Emirates was also not selected; Tottenham Hotspur Stadium earned the second London spot alongside Wembley, which will host the semi-finals and final.
Read at www.fourfourtwo.com
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