The UK government’s recent football reform efforts are aimed at ensuring the UEFA Euro 2028 remains hosted in the United Kingdom. Concerns had arisen that changes in governance and oversight might lead UEFA to reconsider the UK’s role as host.

The football reform bill, set to be introduced to Parliament this Thursday, includes new measures such as consulting fans on ticket pricing, stadium sales, and greater independence for the newly proposed football regulator in commercial matters. One of the most crucial elements is the non-interference of the UK government in football-related business deals, which had raised concerns for UEFA.

UEFA had previously expressed reservations about government involvement in club ownership deals, particularly in light of the controversy surrounding the Saudi-backed acquisition of Newcastle United. In September, UEFA’s general secretary, Theodore Theodoridis, issued a letter to Lisa Nandy, the UK’s Secretary of Culture and Sport, warning that government intervention could threaten the integrity of football governance.

To mitigate these concerns, the UK’s Labour government has now proposed changes to ensure that the football regulator acts independently of trade agreements. This adjustment could be critical to easing UEFA’s concerns, ensuring that the 2028 European Championship will remain in the UK as planned.

With these amendments, the UK hopes to convince UEFA that it remains an ideal host for Euro 2028, a tournament that would be held exclusively on British soil for the first time since 1996.