England Could Be Barred from Home Euro and Other UEFA Tournaments — The Times

The England national team is facing the threat of exclusion from the home European Championship, according to The Times.

This situation arises from the potential establishment of an independent regulator in English football. UEFA General Secretary Theodore Theodoridis penned a letter to Lucy Frazer, the UK Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, stating that "government intervention in the development of football should not occur."

Theodoridis warned against plans to grant the regulator extensive powers to oversee clubs across five divisions of England, emphasizing that the independence of football is a "fundamental requirement."

According to UEFA's Secretary General, state interference in football matters could be exemplified by decisions made "in the interests of trade and foreign policy" in the UK. This could lead the regulator to prohibit clubs from attracting investments from certain countries or from hosting friendly matches there.

He also criticized the notion that the regulatory body could influence clubs regarding the distribution of television and other media revenues.

A source at The Times familiar with the situation revealed: 

"The letter outlines potential consequences for English clubs in the Champions League and the national team’s participation in Euro 2028 if a line is crossed. 

It is clear from the letter that UEFA is closely monitoring the situation, especially concerning the role of the Football Association, and is determined to intervene, given their concerns that this could be the final straw."

Euro 2028 is set to take place in the UK and Ireland.