Russia Eyes Euro 2028 and 2032, Even While Caught in a Political Snafu
Despite being sidelined from international football after the Ukraine invasion—think of it as the FIFA equivalent of a “No-Fly List”—Russia is flirting with a dream: hosting the European Championship. A RFU board member told Match TV, “We’re putting our name in the hat for 2028 (and maybe 2032).” The exact date for the formal submission remains a mystery, but the ambition is clear.
What’s the Big Plan?
- Russia’s megastadiums – most famously Luzhniki in Moscow, the site of the 2018 World Cup final – promise a stage fit for a continental tournament. The same arena was just the backdrop for a rally led by President Vladimir Putin!
- In the words of RFU president Alexander Dyukov, “We’re feeling lucky. Sure, the odds are tiny, but we can still gamble. The option to bid is free, so we’ll see what happens.”
- Even with club and national team bans from FIFA and UEFA, the Russian footballing elite are sharpening their pitches, not just their swords.
Who’s in the Mix?
It’s not just Russia. The Turkish Football Federation has already filed a bid for Euro 2028, and Britain & Ireland turned in a joint proposal. UEFA set the deadline to confirm interest on March 23, 2024, with early lists announced in April and final hosts chosen by September 2023.
The Final Countdown
Germany will host the 2024 cup, and the rest of the world is keen to see who ends up holding the Euro trophy. Meanwhile, Russia’s call for a bid feels a bit like a daring head‑butt into the football spotlight—unconventional, maybe even reckless, but certainly memorable.
Note: Even as political tensions simmer, the love for the beautiful game keeps forging new, sometimes improbable pathways. The story continues to unfold!
