Russia Declares Interest In Hosting Euro 2028 Or Euro 2032 Despite Current Suspension From International Football
Russia is planning to apply to host Euro 2028 or Euro 2032 despite its current suspension from international football.
All Russian clubs and national teams are currently banned from participating in both FIFA and UEFA competitions following the invasion of Ukraine.
However, reports in Russia claim the Russian Football Federation (RFU) is set to bid to host the men's Euros in either 2028 or 2032.
Russian outlet Sport Express claims RFU executive committee member Sergei Anokhin announced the plans on Wednesday, the day of the deadline for interested parties to submit a 'formal expression of interest' in hosting the tournaments.
The football associations of England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland have submitted a joint bid for Euro 2028 and were set to be confirmed as hosts in the coming weeks, with no rival bid expected to be announced.
Similarly, Italy were expected to be named as hosts for Euro 2032. However, Russia could now rival both bids.
It is not yet clear if the Russian Football Union has submitted a formal application for hosting rights or even if it will be allowed to do so, given its current UEFA suspension.
UEFA is due to confirm bidders on April 5 according to the bidding process information it released last October.
Announcing the UK and Republic of Ireland's joint bid for Euro 2028, the English FA released a statement, which read: "With this unique partnership, we are taking the appropriate next steps and our ambition is to stage a successful UEFA Euro which will be a wonderful celebration of football for fans and teams
"We believe Euro 2028 would be one of the greatest sporting events ever held in the UK and Ireland.
"This unprecedented partnership of five associations offers something special to European football, including the potential for an expanded tournament, and we are passionate about maximising the sustainability and legacy benefits for communities across the UK and Ireland.
"Over the coming months, we will develop our proposals further, subject to the publication by UEFA of the full technical specification. This includes engaging in discussions with possible host cities and stadia to define the optimum tournament model and conducting a full costs and benefits analysis.
"The UK and Ireland will offer an unrivalled tournament from a technical perspective - with modern, well-connected stadia and excellent infrastructure - that makes our partnership ideal to host Euro 2028."
Rory O'Callaghan