UEFA has issued a warning to the UK government, cautioning that England may face exclusion from co-hosting Euro 2028 if Prime Minister Keir Starmer proceeds with the planned men’s football regulator. According to reports from British media, UEFA General Secretary Theodore Theodoridis expressed concerns in a letter to Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, emphasizing the need for “no government interference” in football operations.
The planned regulator, outlined in the King’s Speech, would oversee clubs in England’s top five leagues. UEFA warned this could violate its rules on football’s autonomy, with potential sanctions including exclusion from European competition. The previous UK government had proposed the regulator to safeguard clubs from financial mismanagement and prevent breakaway leagues.
Starmer’s administration, having committed to the regulator in its Labour Party manifesto, is moving forward with the plan, drawing concern from UEFA about its scope and potential impact on football governance. England, along with Northern Ireland, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, is set to co-host Euro 2028, but UEFA’s threat raises uncertainty around the tournament.
The UK Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport defended the regulator, stating its aim is to put fans at the center of the game and secure the future of English football.
