
UK and Ireland confirmed as joint hosts of Euro 2028
The UK and Ireland’s bid to host Euro 2028 has been formally approved, UEFA has announced. Ten stadia across the five nations will host the matches in five years’ time, with analysts projecting a three billion euro (£2.6bn) boost to the host nation economies on the back of the tournament. The bid was unopposed after Turkey withdrew to focus on a joint bid for the 2032 finals alongside Italy, and it was given the official seal of approval by UEFA’s executive committee on Tuesday morning. Wembley is set to host the final – and potentially both semi-finals – with the other English venues included in April’s final bid submission being the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the Etihad Stadium, Villa Park, St James’ Park and Everton’s new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock. Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, Hampden Park in Glasgow, Dublin’s Aviva Stadium and a redeveloped Casement Park in Belfast will also host matches. Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer welcomed the news, saying: “I’m thrilled we’ve secured UEFA EURO 2028. It will be the biggest sporting event ever jointly hosted in the UK and Ireland. “We will put on a brilliant tournament with fans at its heart. We will warmly welcome fans from across Europe to our islands’ shores and give people memories that will last a lifetime. “On top of that, the tournament is expected to deliver up to £2.6 billion of socio-economic benefit across the host nations, creating jobs and opportunities.” All five nations are expected to go through qualification for the tournament, with UEFA understood to be reserving two host nation places for any of the teams which do not make it on merit. The UK-Ireland bid would have been the overwhelming favourite to host Euro 2028 even if Turkey had remained in the race. Senior UEFA sources have repeatedly stressed the importance of hosting another European Championship in a major market – following on from Euro 2024 in Germany – as essential to boosting UEFA’s finances in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. There will still be issues for the bid team to resolve over the next five years however – with agreement still to be reached on who will fund the redevelopment of Casement Park. Plans for a 34,000 stadium have been delayed by legal challenges and are further complicated by the lack of a functioning Executive at Stormont. Costs have also risen from an original estimate of £77.5million to more than £100m. The GAA is part-funding the project but has not reached an agreement with Stormont over where the remainder will come from. Tuesday’s decision means England will be involved in hosting a Euros for a third time. They hosted alone in Euro 96 and were one of 11 countries involved in staging the continent-wide Euro 2020. The UK and Ireland associations first announced they were focusing on a bid for Euro 2028 in February last year. It had been expected that they would bid for the centenary World Cup in 2030 but Football Association chief executive Mark Bullingham admitted at the time there were “many areas of uncertainty” with doing so, leading to the switch in focus. Read More James Ryan and Mack Hansen injury doubts for Ireland against New Zealand Dawid Malan hits superb hundred as England post 364 for nine against Bangladesh Anna Shackley looks forward after ‘a really nice last couple of months’ Football rumours: Manchester United looking to send Jadon Sancho out on loan Last-quarter touchdown seals win for Las Vegas Raiders against Green Bay Packers On this day in 2015: Kevin Sinfield has fairytale finish to rugby league career
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Ronald Koeman explains Ryan Gravenberch omission from Netherlands squad
Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman has confirmed that Ryan Gravenberch has not been called up for international duty due to previously dropping out of the squad.
1970-01-01 08:00

Euro 2028 LIVE: Uefa announce UK and Ireland as hosts - with Euro 2032 location also confirmed
The United Kingdom and Ireland are set to be announced as the hosts for Uefa Euro 2028 with another joint bid between Turkey and Italy the likely destinations for the 2032 edition. Uefa still need to grant official approval to the bids, which have so far been unopposed, when they meet Switzerland on Tuesday. Ten stadiums across the UK and Ireland are set to play host to Euro 2028 with Wembley Stadium (London), Principality Stadium (Cardiff), Hampden Park (Glasgow), Aviva Stadium (Dublin), and Casement Park (Belfast) all named as venues in the bid. The final is due to be held at Wembley, the same location where the Lionesses won the 2022 Euros and where the men lost to Italy in the 2020 Euro final. Germany host the competition next year after the previous edition was held in 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Follow along with all of the latest updates as the 2028 and 2032 hosts are announced. Read More Euro 2028 venues: UK and Ireland name 10 stadiums as Anfield and Old Trafford miss out UK and Ireland set to host Euro 2028 after Turkey withdraw bid Saudi Arabia bid for 2034 World Cup strengthened after Australia and New Zealand hit hurdle
1970-01-01 08:00

Football rumours: Manchester United looking to send Jadon Sancho out on loan
What the papers say Jadon Sancho could leave Manchester United in January, the Daily Mail reports, with the Red Devils said to be willing to subsidise his wages to offload the 23-year-old forward. Sancho, who is reportedly paid £300,000 a week at United, remains out of the first-team picture at Old Trafford following his stand-off with boss Erik ten Hag. The Times says Tottenham defender Eric Dier could move back to his former club Sporting Lisbon in January, or when his contract runs out next summer. The 29-year-old is yet to feature for Tottenham this season after playing 33 games for the club last term. The England international joined the club in 2014 from Portuguese outfit Sporting. Social media round-up Players to watch Vinicius Junior: The 23-year-old Real Madrid superstar is yet to sign a new contract with the club, with his current deal running out next summer, Spanish outlet Sport says. Aaron Wan-Bissaka: Football Insider reports that Manchester United have commenced talks with their 25-year-old right-back to sort out a new contract. Read More Last-quarter touchdown seals win for Las Vegas Raiders against Green Bay Packers On this day in 2015: Kevin Sinfield has fairytale finish to rugby league career England expecting outfield for World Cup clash against Bangladesh to be ‘poor’
1970-01-01 08:00

Powerball jackpot leaps to $1.73 billion, second largest prize in the lottery's history
The Powerball jackpot has soared to a whopping estimated $1.73 billion after no big winner was drawn Monday night, marking the second largest prize in the lottery's history.
1970-01-01 08:00

NFL-Young NFL stars eager to play Olympic flag football - NFL executive
By Rory Carroll LOS ANGELES (Reuters) -Some NFL players have expressed interest in playing for the U.S. flag football team
1970-01-01 08:00

College football rankings: Top 25 teams re-ranked by strength of record in Week 7
Would the Oklahoma Sooners and Florida State Seminoles be higher in the college football rankings if strength of record was truly taken into account?
1970-01-01 08:00

Roberto De Zerbi praises Jurgen Klopp after Brighton’s draw with Liverpool
Roberto De Zerbi praised Jurgen Klopp after the Liverpool manager intervened to try and calm him as he protested against a refereeing decision during the Reds’ 2-2 draw with Brighton at the Amex Stadium. The Italian was shown a yellow card by referee Anthony Taylor for remonstrating with the fourth official when his team were denied a penalty for a possible handball against Virgil van Dijk. The ball struck the defender on the leg and bounced up onto his arm, with the manager insistent his side should have been given a spot-kick as they sought a way back from 2-1 down. Klopp went into Brighton’s technical area to try and sooth the situation, putting his arms around De Zerbi in what he described as “using his age” to try and assuage the situation. De Zerbi, who saw his side come back to draw for the second time in three days after Thursday’s Europa League meeting with Marseille, said that whilst he felt his team were hard done by over the decision, he believed the foul by Trent Alexander-Arnold on Solly March from which Brighton later equalised through Lewis Dunk should not have been a free-kick. “I love Klopp,” he said. “He can do what he wants because I have a big respect and I consider him one of the best coaches in the world. I like his behaviour, and when he says something, 99 per cent I agree with him. “In that situation, I think there was a clear penalty and I told the referee, I think in a good way, what I thought in the moment. “I think there was a penalty, but there wasn’t a foul when we scored the second goal. I’m honest, and I told Jurgen my opinion.” Brighton are sixth going into the international break having won five of their first eight Premier League games. De Zerbi has made an average of seven changes between matches this season as he seeks to navigate the demands made by a first season in Europe for the club. Despite recording a fourth winless game in a row in all competitions the manager praised his players’ character, particularly in the context of bouncing back from the 6-1 defeat against Aston Villa to register two comeback draws. “The most important thing for me has been the reaction after Villa Park,” he said. “We started the game in Marseille, one of the best stadiums in Europe, and we started losing 2-0. After that moment, there was only one team on the pitch – Brighton. “To do it, you have to show character, to show the right attitude, the right behaviour and passion. The most important thing in my idea of football is passion, is the character. “After that we can speak about tactical disposition, the quality of the players, recruitment. But without that part of football, in my opinion, you can’t play or work in football.” Read More Cricket among sports put forward for inclusion at the 2028 Olympics Expectation to underachievement – How Scotland came up short in France Matt Fitzpatrick completes double at Alfred Dunhill Links Championship Ronnie O’Sullivan beats Ken Doherty to keep hold of his world number one ranking Captain Ben Davies hopes to bring a bit of Tottenham to Wales camp Gareth Anscombe and Liam Williams ‘recovering well’ ahead of Wales quarter-final
1970-01-01 08:00

Bet365 Bonus Promo: Win $150 GUARANTEED Bonus Betting $5 in NJ, IA, VA, OH or CO!
Bet365 is giving new users in New Jersey, Iowa, Virginia, Ohio and Colorado a guaranteed $150 bonus betting just $5 on any game! Find out how to claim this exclusive promo here.
1970-01-01 08:00

5 breakout fantasy football stars to pick up for Week 6
A vacancy in the Bears' backfield and some intriguing rookie receivers highlight the top fantasy football pickups of Week 6.
1970-01-01 08:00

Bukayo Saka pulls out of England squad through injury
Bukayo Saka will miss England’s upcoming internationals with Australia and Italy, the Football Association has confirmed. The Arsenal attacker was called up to Gareth Southgate’s squad on Thursday, despite concerns over his fitness after being substituted in recent matches at Bournemouth and Lens. Saka subsequently sat out Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Manchester City on Sunday with a hamstring issue and club boss Mikel Arteta said afterwards the 22-year-old would have to pull out of the England squad. Saka met up with England’s medical staff at St George’s Park on Monday and it has now been confirmed he will return to Arsenal for further treatment. “The forward reported to St George’s Park on Monday alongside the rest of the Three Lions’ squad,” an FA statement read. “Having missed Arsenal’s Premier League win against Manchester City on Sunday through injury, Saka was assessed by the England medical team and it was decided the player would continue his rehabilitation at his club. “No replacements are planned with Gareth Southgate having a squad of 25 players to work with.” Southgate’s side host Australia in a friendly at Wembley on Friday night before they take on Italy in London next Tuesday. Read More Expectation to underachievement – How Scotland came up short in France Matt Fitzpatrick completes double at Alfred Dunhill Links Championship Ronnie O’Sullivan beats Ken Doherty to keep hold of his world number one ranking
1970-01-01 08:00

When will Euro 2028 host be announced by Uefa?
The host nations for Euro 2028 and 2032 will be announced by the Uefa Executive Committee on Tuesday 10th October. The meeting will begin at 9am BST with the announcement expected to follow at approximately 11-11:30am BST. The United Kingdom and Ireland currently have an unopposed bid to host the competition as Turkey withdrew to form a joint bid with Italy for 2032. As a result, the UK and Ireland are set to be named as hosts for 2028. Turkey’s bid was officially withdrawn on the 4 October which meant the home nations and the Republic of Ireland have the final remaining bid. The five nations put in a bid for the 2028 competition after they decided not to bid for the 2030 World Cup. It is possible however that some of the host nations not qualify despite hosting as automatic qualification is unlikely to be given to all five. The proposal includes matches across ten stadiums: Wembley Stadium, National Stadium of Wales, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, City of Manchester Stadium, Everton Stadium, St James’ Park, Villa Park, Hampden Park, Dublin Arena, and Casement Park. With almost three million tournament tickets available, the proposed tournament will have more tickets available than any previous UEFA EURO. Spread across five nations and ten cities with an average stadium capacity of 58,000, the sporting event has the potential to be the biggest in the UK since the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. A focus has been made on sustainability in the bid with transport plans allowing more than 80 per cent of ticket holders to the stadiums by public transport. The proposal is backed by all five national governments and National Football Associations. The final bid presentations followed by the announcement ceremony will take place on Tuesday at the UEFA Headquarters in Switzerland. The bid sets out a vision of "Football for all, Football for good. Football for the future" which aims to diversify the game and make it more inclusive, as well as connect with the next generation of fans. England and Scotland previously hosted matches at EURO 2020 including the final between England and Italy at Wembley. The match caused major chaos and organisers will be looking to provide a far safer and more positive event this time around. Turkey and Italy are set to be announced as hosts for the 2032 tournament as they too have an unopposed bid for the following tournament. Read More Euro 2028 venues: UK and Ireland name 10 stadiums as Anfield and Old Trafford miss out Gareth Bale part of Welsh delegation to help UK and Ireland Euro 2028 bid Gareth Southgate positive about UK and Ireland bid for Euro 2028 Uefa postpones matches in war-torn Israel Uefa torn over plans to reinstate Russian youth teams Gareth Southgate positive about UK and Ireland bid for Euro 2028
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