Sweden and Denmark Team Up for UEFA Women's Euro 2029 Bid
Sweden and Denmark have initiated a bid to co-host the UEFA Women's Euro 2029, addressing stadium requirements and government support.
Key Points
- • Sweden and Denmark's joint preliminary bid for UEFA Women's Euro 2029.
- • Final application due to UEFA by August 27, 2025.
- • Sweden must meet UEFA stadium requirements including capacity and natural grass.
- • Denmark has pledged 15 million kronor in support, but Sweden's support remains uncertain.
In a significant move for Swedish football, Sweden and Denmark have submitted a preliminary bid to host the UEFA Women's Euro 2029. This bid is part of a collaborative effort, with the final application set to be submitted to UEFA by August 27, 2025. The dual-nation proposal aims to increase regional support for women’s football and enhance the profile of the sport in both countries.
However, the bid faces challenges as Sweden has yet to meet UEFA's requirements regarding stadium standards. According to Simon Åström, the president of the Swedish Football Association, Sweden needs to ensure that at least four stadiums can accommodate a minimum of 20,000 spectators and that all venues have natural grass surfaces. Currently, well-known venues like 3arena in Stockholm and Gamla Ullevi in Gothenburg do not meet these requirements. Åström remains optimistic, stating, "We are aware of the strong competition from other countries, but we believe we can meet UEFA's standards in time." There are plans to install natural grass at 3arena to satisfy UEFA regulations.
The competitive landscape for the tournament is daunting, with strong bids anticipated from Italy, Poland, Portugal, and Germany, all of which have already established suitable facilities. Åström has highlighted the importance of timely support from the Swedish government, echoing the Danish government’s commitment to contribute 15 million kronor towards the joint bid. However, there is uncertainty surrounding whether the Swedish government will provide a similar level of financial backing, which could pose a disadvantage in the competitive bidding process.
The final decision from UEFA regarding the host nation for the Women’s Euro 2029 will be announced in December, and Sweden's hopes hinge not only on the government's support but also on their ability to upgrade their stadiums in accordance with UEFA’s stipulations. The initiative to co-host reflects a growing recognition of the potential of women's sports in the region and a strategic move to foster national pride and interest in women's football.