UK Sport is inviting academics and researchers to join the Academic Panel for the UEFA EURO 2028 Tournament Evaluation Programme.
The UEFA EURO 2028 tournament is set to be a monumental event, with the UK and Ireland jointly hosting the continent’s top 24 men’s national teams. This 31-day spectacle, featuring 51 matches, is expected to draw over 3 million spectators and captivate a global TV audience exceeding 2 billion people.
As part of the tournament’s evaluation, UK Sport is seeking expressions of interest from qualified individuals to join the EURO 2028 Tournament Evaluation Programme Academic Panel.
The Academic Panel will play a crucial role in providing independent expertiseconstructive challenge and methodological assurance to support the design, delivery, and quality of the EURO 2028 evaluation programme.
Panel members will assist the Tournament Evaluation Group (TEG) in ensuring that evaluation outputs are credible, robust, evidence-based, and aligned with recognized academic standards.
The Role of the Academic Panel
The Academic Panel operates in an advisory capacity, offering advice, assurance, and challenge to the TEG, which is the main decision-making body for the Tournament Evaluation Programme.
This role is voluntary, with members having the option to receive an honorarium of £218 per meeting. The panel is particularly interested in applications from academics and researchers with expertise in mega event evaluation design and implementationsocioeconomic and environmental assessment and quantitative and qualitative analysis.
It is anticipated that the Academic Panel will meet 10-15 times between 2026 and 2030, approximately 3-4 times per year. This presents a unique opportunity for experts to contribute to the evaluation of one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events.
How to Apply
For more information and to apply, interested individuals should review the Role Description and Person Specification available on the UK Sport website. Applications are open from Monday, 27 July 2026, to Saturday, 15 August 2026.
In addition to the Academic Panel recruitment, UK Sport has recently appointed five new Board Members. Michelle Dite, Charlotte Samuelson, John Steele, and Dame Sarah Storey have been appointed for four-year terms starting from 1 August 2026. Rachel Baillache has been reappointed for a second term, beginning on 1.
New Board Members
Michelle Dite brings over 25 years of experience in delivering high-profile sporting events, including her current role as Operations Director at the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC). She has significant governance experience, serving on the UK Sport Major Events Panel and the UEFA EURO 2028 Oversight Group.
Charlotte Samuelson Chief Operating Officer of PREM Rugby, has extensive leadership experience in sport and financial services. She has played key roles in delivering major rugby events, including the Women’s Rugby World Cup in England.
John Steele has a diverse background as a professional athlete, coach, and CEO. He has led high-performance sport initiatives and currently chairs Commonwealth Games England. He was awarded an OBE in 2026 for his services to high-performance sport.
Dame Sarah Storey is the UK’s most successful Paralympian, with a career spanning nine Games and two sports. She is also a leading voice in active transport and serves as the Chair of Lancashire Cricket Club.
Rachel Baillache reappointed for a second term, is the Senior Independent Director at the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) and chairs the Audit and Risk Committee. She brings over 20 years of experience as a partner at KPMG.
These appointments underscore UK Sport’s commitment to leveraging expertise and leadership to drive the success of major sporting events and initiatives.
