New Old-trafford included in 2035 world cup bid
Manchester United’s proposed new Old Trafford stadium is one of 22 venues included in the UK’s bid to host the 2035 Women’s World Cup.
Old Trafford was not considered for the 2028 men’s European Championship and its redevelopment is still in the planning stages.
England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland’s joint bid stands unopposed and could be ratified by a vote in a Fifa congress in 2026.
If redevelopment plans do not go ahead, Old Trafford will still be considered in its current form.
Other stadiums set to feature include Birmingham City’s planned new stadium and Wembley – which is likely to host the final.
Should the UK’s bid be confirmed, the 2035 tournament will be the second time a World Cup has been held in the home nations after the 1966 men’s tournament in England.
In total, 22 stadiums were listed in Friday’s announcement – 16 in England, three in Wales, two in Scotland and one in Northern Ireland.
Unbuilt stadiums included
The bid submission includes “Old Trafford in its current form” as proposals for a new 100,000-capacity stadium were not deemed sufficiently detailed for Fifa evaluation.
United announced plans for a revamped stadium in March and hope it will be completed in five years – although further progress has not yet been made.
Meanwhile, Birmingham City unveiled plans for their 62,000-seater Powerhouse Stadium in November, with a completion date set for the start of the 2030-2031 season.
Stok Cae Ras in Wrexham does not currently meet Fifa requirements, although there is planned redevelopment work which would make it eligible once completed.
Stamford Bridge also does not meet Fifa standards, so whether or not a Chelsea stadium can be considered for the tournament will depend on the outcome of a consultation on a new home which is under way.
[BBC]
