Mockery? Russia bids to host the 2028 or 2032 European Championships

Wednesday was the last possible deadline to apply to host the European Championships in 2028 and 2032. The fact that Russia has also applied for the opportunity has caused international outcry and concern.

UEFA on Wednesday accepted bids to host the European Championships in 2028. The football associations of England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland are bidding to host the tournament together. The Turks are also among the candidates.

However, there has been a global reaction to the fact that Russia is also bidding for the championship, even though its membership of both UEFA and FIFA has been suspended because of the invasion of Ukraine.

The verdict of the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which is taking into account the Russian Football Association’s appeal against the suspension, is currently awaited.

“We must seize the opportunity. We have the experience, the stadiums and the necessary infrastructure,” Russian federation president Aleksandr Dyukov said in a broadcast on Matsch TV.

Djukov was referring to Russia’s hosting of the 2018 World Cup. The venue of that year’s final match, the Luzhniki Stadium, was used last week for a rally in support of President Vladimir Putin.

Russia’s bid to host the tournament is expected to face a backlash. UEFA has not yet made its position public, but it is expected to do so in the coming hours.

The decision on who will ultimately host Euro 2028 will be made in September 2023. The favourite to host the championship is the UK and Ireland.

Source: The Guardian, ESPN