The unusual reason why Anfield is banned from hosting any Euro 2028 matches

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Euro 2028 will be held in the UK and Ireland.England has some of the most iconic stadiums in world football, but none are, arguably, more famous than Anfield. The atmosphere really is like no other, with the likes of Jose Mourinho and Arsene Wenger saying it is one of the most hostile stadiums they have ever been to.With that said, due to its reputation, many would have thought that Anfield would host some of the games at Euro 2028, but this is not the case.Join our newsletter for news & smart analysis.

It has not been selected to host a single game, although there is a reason for it which explains why it is not possible.Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty ImagesAnfield is banned from hosting any Euro 2028 gamesAnfield’s omission from UEFA’s list may have come as a surprise, but a European rule means that it would not have been possible for them to host a game in the first place.This is because the pitch is too small as originally reported by the Daily Mail, with it needing to be the standard dimensions of 105 metres by 68m.Anfield, however, falls four metres short, and due to the Anfield Road end and the Kop being tightly packed, there is no hope for any extension any time soon.Anfield was last used for a major tournament during the 1996 Euros, with it even hosting the quarter-final between France and the Netherlands. READ MORE: Liverpool might now have their own version of Angel Di Maria on their hands Who has been Liverpool’s best summer signing?

It is not just Liverpool’s stadium that cannot host games, though, as Stamford Bridge is another one where the pitch is too small.Which stadiums are being used for Euro 2028?The tournament opener will be held at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, while Wembley will be used for the semi-finals and final.Other English grounds include Villa Park, the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, St James’ Park, the Etihad and Everton’s new stadium, the Hill Dickinson. Old Trafford has also been banned from hosting any game, with the reason due to its age and the lack of renovations.It is a shame that Anfield will not be used, but at least it is due to a reason mostly out of their control, rather than the club not looking after it.