How losing home nations and Ireland could still qualify through bizarre UEFA loophole

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 are expected to be confirmed as hosts for the tournament.

The five countries are expected to be 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.