Russia Wants To Host Euro 2028

Russia's Football Federation has declared that the country wants to host the Euro 2028 or 2032.

Tomorrow, 24 March, will mark one month since President Vladimir Putin sent troops into Ukraine on 24 February, marking the start of the invasion.

As a result of the 'special military operation', Russia has been banned from the World Cup, with all clubs and national teams suspended by FIFA and UEFA.

Despite this, the country's union executive committee has since announced its interest in holding the Euro 2028 or 2032 following a meeting held today, 23 March.

According to Russian outlet Sport Express, executive committee member of the RFU, Sergei Anokhin, announced plans to make a bid today, 23 March, which is the deadline for countries to express their interest.

On its website, the Russian Football Union (RFU) stated its support for the 'decision to declare interest in the European Championship 2028 or 2032 in Russia'.

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RFU president Alexander Dyukov told Russia's Match TV, as per AP News: "We must take the opportunity to host the Euro. It will be at the World Cup stadiums and we have developed infrastructure.

"We are sending the declaration today. We assume that Russia is already prepared to to host large-scale competitions. We have the experience.”

Alongside Russia's show of interest, the UEFA also received a combined bid from England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. Turkey is also reported as having entered a bid, alongside a combined bid from Romania, Bulgaria, Greece and Serbia. Similarly to Russia, Italy has also declared its interest.

On the first day of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, UEFA released a statement to condemn the Kremlin's actions.

The statement read: "UEFA shares the international community’s significant concern for the security situation developing in Europe and strongly condemns the ongoing Russian military invasion in Ukraine.

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"As the governing body of European football, UEFA is working tirelessly to develop and promote football according to common European values such as peace and respect for human rights, in the spirit of the Olympic Charter. We remain resolute in our solidarity with the football community in Ukraine and stand ready to extend our hand to the Ukrainian people.

"We are dealing with this situation with the utmost seriousness and urgency. Decisions will be taken by the UEFA Executive Committee and announced tomorrow."

St Petersburg was also set to host this season's men's Champions League final, however it was banned by UEFA.

Russia has since appealed UEFA's suspension.

UEFA is yet to respond to Russia's declaration of interest, however it is expected to make a statement once the deadline passes at 5:00pm today.

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