The FIFA World Cup is perhaps the most prestigious football tournament, but the Euro’s runs it close. The last Euro’s saw matches played across Europe, with games played at the Johan Cruyff Arena (Amsterdam), Stadium La Cartuja (Sevilla), Allianz Arena (Munich), Stadio Olimpico (Rome), Parken Stadium (Copenhagen), and the Puskas Arena (Budapest). Hampden Park (Glasgow) and Wembley Stadium (London) were also hosts to Euro 2020 matches. Wembley Stadium (London) hosted the final with Italy beating England to lift the trophy.
With Germany hosting the 2024 event, UEFA have received bids for the 2028 edition. UEFA has begun sifting through the applications for the next host. Turkey and Russia have shown interest in hosting Euro 2028, with the UK and Ireland submitting a joint bid.
Official bids submitted
The United Kingdom and Ireland have officially submitted a bid to host the 2028 Euros. They would have to beat competition from Russia and Turkey, who also indicated an interest in hosting the tournament.
England hosted the competition in 1996 before Wembley hosted many matches in the last edition. UEFA had looked to spread the matches of Euro 2020 to as many countries as possible. It was an experiment that wasn’t appreciated, necessitating a return to the regular format.
The British and Irish looked like a slam dunk to earn the hosting rights. Earlier in the week, the British and Irish bid was coasting and looked to be unchallenged before Turkey and, surprisingly, Russia registered interest in hosting either the tournament in 2028 or 2032.
There is now a competition for hosting rights, with the interested countries expected to start lobbying to win.
Russia’s surprising bid
The bid submitted by Russia has come as a surprise to many as the country is facing many sanctions. One of the sanctions slammed on Russia is a ban on international football, but it has not deterred the Russian FA to submit a bid.
Russia’s ban came as a result of the country’s invasion of Ukraine. With Russia still immersed in the military situation in Ukraine, one wonders how Russia intends to lobby and convince Europe to back their Euro bid.
The Euros has never been hosted by Russia but were admirable hosts of the FIFA World Cup in 2018.
Hosting the 2028 or 2032 Euro
Russia and Turkey want to host either the 2028 or 2032 tournament. The United Kingdom and Ireland are bidding for just Euro 2028. For the 2032 Euros, Russia and Turkey have competition from Italy.
The 2020 champions last hosted the tournament in 1980 and want to host the Euro for the third time.
UEFA have confirmed the receipt of the declaration of interest to host the 2028 and 3032 editions of the UEFA EURO from four potential bidders following the deadline of 23 March.
According to the UEFA statement, a joint declaration of interest was submitted for UEFA EURO 2028 by England, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Russia and Turkey hope to land the hosting rights for either the 2028 or 2032 edition, while Italy joined the fray last with its intention to host in 2032.
UEFA would announce the winners to host the UEFA EURO 2028 and UEFA EURO 2032 in September 2023.
By :
Steven D. Thompson
