How Are UCL Final Hosts Decided: Wembley vs. Cardiff?

The Football Association (FA) is actively pursuing the opportunity to host the 2029 Champions League final at Wembley Stadium, a move that could significantly boost the UK's profile in international football. Meanwhile, the Football Association of Wales and the Football Association of Ireland have submitted bids to host the 2029 Women's Champions League final in Cardiff and Dublin, respectively. Hosting these prestigious events not only enhances the reputation of the venues but also brings substantial economic benefits to the local regions through tourism and hospitality.

Last updated: 30 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

As of late October 2023, the FA's bid to host the 2029 Champions League final at Wembley is part of a broader strategy to position the UK as a premier destination for major football events. This interest comes on the heels of successful bids for previous finals and reflects the FA's confidence in Wembley as a world-class venue. At the same time, both the Welsh FA and the Football Association of Ireland are vying for the Women's Champions League final, showcasing the growing importance of women's football in the UK and Ireland. The UEFA governing body will ultimately decide the host cities for both finals, based on comprehensive evaluations of the bids submitted by each national association.

Key takeaways

The FA is bidding to host the 2029 Champions League final at Wembley.
Wales and Ireland are competing to host the 2029 Women's Champions League final.
UEFA selects final hosts based on submitted bids from national football associations.

Timeline: how we got here

Understanding the journey to the current bidding process for the 2029 finals requires looking back at key milestones:

2023 (October): The FA expresses interest in hosting the 2029 Champions League final.
2023 (October): The Welsh FA and the Football Association of Ireland submit bids for the Women's Champions League final.
2026 (30 May): The Puskas Arena in Budapest will host the Champions League final.
2027 (5 June): Atletico Madrid's Metropolitano Stadium is set to host the Champions League final, having replaced the originally awarded San Siro.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The FA's proactive approach signals a renewed focus on attracting high-profile football events to the UK. This ambition comes at a time when women's football is gaining momentum globally, with the UK's interest in hosting the Women's Champions League final further emphasising this trend.

What was already established

UEFA's process for selecting final hosts has been consistent for years, requiring detailed bids that meet strict criteria. These criteria ensure that only well-equipped venues are considered, focusing on factors such as stadium capacity, facilities, and regional infrastructure.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

Hosting major finals like the Champions League can lead to significant economic benefits for local communities, including increased tourism, hospitality revenue, and job creation. The influx of fans can boost local businesses, from hotels to restaurants, creating a vibrant atmosphere around the event.

Businesses and jobs

For businesses, especially in the hospitality and transport sectors, hosting these finals can provide a much-needed boost. Hotels often see a spike in bookings, while local transport services may experience increased demand, leading to temporary job creation in the region.

Policy and regulation

The FA's bid and the Welsh and Irish applications will be evaluated not only on the quality of the bids themselves but also on the existing policies regarding infrastructure and safety regulations. This evaluation will involve consultations with local governments to ensure compliance with all necessary regulations.

Numbers that matter

8,000: Minimum capacity required for a UEFA category-four stadium.
65,000: Typical minimum capacity for the men's Champions League final venues.
42,000: Capacity of the largest stadium to host a Conference League final to date.
67,215: Capacity of the Puskas Arena, set to host the 2026 Champions League final.
56,800: Capacity of the Stadion Narodowy in Warsaw, which will host the 2027 Women's Champions League final.

Definitions and jargon buster

UEFA: The Union of European Football Associations, the governing body for football in Europe.
Category-four stadium: A classification for stadiums that meet UEFA's highest standards for hosting major finals.
Bid dossier: A comprehensive document submitted by national associations detailing their proposal to host a final, including logistical and infrastructural support.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

As the bids are evaluated by UEFA, stakeholders will closely monitor developments and may prepare to address any questions or concerns raised during the evaluation process.

Medium term (1–6 months)

In the months following the submission, UEFA is expected to make decisions regarding the 2029 finals, which will prompt preparations in the selected host cities for the anticipated financial and logistical implications.

Signals to watch

UEFA's announcements regarding the evaluation process and timelines for decision-making.
Any communications from the FA or the Welsh and Irish FAs regarding the progress of their bids.
Public and media responses to the bids, which can influence UEFA's final decisions.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay informed about the status of the bids from the FA, Welsh FA, and Football Association of Ireland.
Engage with local businesses to understand the potential impact of hosting major events.
Monitor UEFA’s communications for updates on bid evaluations and outcomes.

Don’t

Don’t assume that a bid will automatically lead to hosting; the evaluation process is competitive.
Don’t overlook the importance of regional infrastructure in the bidding process.
Don’t ignore the potential for increased local tourism and economic impact.

Checklist

Is your local area prepared for an influx of tourism and fans?
Are local businesses aware of the potential economic benefits?
Have stakeholders engaged with the FA regarding community preparations?
Is there a clear understanding of UEFA's evaluation criteria?

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the bids from the FA and its counterparts in Wales and Ireland reflect a strong desire to host prestigious football finals, uncertainties remain regarding UEFA's evaluation criteria and the final decisions. Factors such as existing infrastructure, political considerations, and logistical capabilities may impact the selection process. Additionally, potential renovations or upgrades to venues could pose challenges in meeting UEFA's stringent requirements.

Bottom line

The bids for the 2029 Champions League and Women's Champions League finals represent a significant opportunity for the UK to showcase its football heritage and infrastructure. The economic benefits of hosting such events could be transformative for local communities, but the competitive nature of the bidding process means that there is no guarantee of success. Stakeholders should remain vigilant and engaged with the ongoing developments as UEFA evaluates the submissions.

FAQs

What are the criteria for hosting a Champions League final?

To host a Champions League final, stadiums must be category-four venues, which have a minimum capacity of 8,000 and meet strict criteria regarding facilities, security, and regional infrastructure.

How does UEFA select final hosts?

UEFA invites bids from member associations, which then submit detailed proposals. These proposals are evaluated based on various criteria including stadium access, hospitality, and security measures.

What are the economic benefits of hosting a major final?

Hosting a major final can lead to increased tourism, hospitality revenue, job creation, and a vibrant local economy benefiting from the influx of fans and visitors.