Aston Villa have warned that Villa Park may be unable to host matches at Euro 2028 without improvements to local transport links in the next two years.
The club on Thursday announced plans to take the capacity of Villa Park beyond 50,000 before the end of 2027 and insist the necessary work will have minimal effect on matchday fans.
Villa also plan to enhance the area around Villa Park to generate greater revenue across the year – a vital plank of their ambitions to compete with English football’s elite for years to come.
The nub of the issue, though, is the proposed redevelopment of nearby Witton railway station, which is used by thousands of supporters before and after home fixtures. Without the upgrades required, Villa are likely to have to rethink the entire project.
‘This commitment from (West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker) to develop the station would not only allow Aston Villa to press ahead with the North Stand redevelopment, it also importantly means stronger travel links between Aston and Birmingham City Centre for the local community, Aston Villa fans, and visitors,’ read Villa’s statement.
‘Without that commitment we will be unable to proceed with this project and furthermore would need to reexamine whether we would be able to continue as a Euro 2028 host venue.’
Aston Villa announced plans on Thursday to take the capacity of Villa Park beyond 50,000
Aston Villa are hoping to increase matchday revenue to compete with the biggest clubs for the foreseeable future
West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker is confident he can deliver on his manifesto pledge
The ball is now in the court of Labour Mayor Mr Parker, who defeated Andy Street in last year’s General Election and is confident he will deliver on his manifesto pledge.
Mr Parker said: ‘We have been working closely with the club, Network Rail and other partners to ensure the necessary improvements at Witton Station will be made in time for the Euros in 2028.
‘I am fully committed to securing upgrades including safer queuing systems, new passenger shelters, a new footbridge and higher capacity services.
‘Aston Villa is a vital part of our region’s identity and I’m proud to support the club’s ambitious plans to redevelop the North Stand.’
