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UEFA on Thursday says Russia and Turkey will rival the UK and Republic of Ireland’s bid to host the Euro 2028 football tournament.
The Football Associations of England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland have made a joint approach to host the tournament.
But competing proposals have come in from Turkey and Russia, who have both expressed an interest in the 2028 and 2032 editions, with UEFA announcing that a decision will be revealed in September 2023.
Read Also: Five Nations Submit Joint Bid to Host Euro 2028
The Russians were expected to stay out of the running in the wake of the invasion of Ukraine and the resulting international condemnation.
But Russian Football Union official Sergei Anokhin revealed the country would make a bid — despite a current ban preventing the national side from competing.
The Football Associations of England, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Scotland and Wales have today submitted a joint ‘Expression of Interest’ to host UEFA EURO 2028.
— The FA (@FA) March 23, 2022
Reigning champions Italy have told UEFA they are keen to host Euro 2032, leaving three countries in the mix for the 2028 event.
A joint statement on behalf of the UK and Republic of Ireland bid said: “The football associations of England, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Scotland and Wales have today submitted a joint expression of interest to host Euro 2028.
“The submission, an important step in UEFA’s bidding process for Euro 2028, follows a feasibility study evaluating the hosting opportunities and local benefits of organising major international football events.
“The governments of the UK, Ireland, Scotland and Wales have confirmed their support for the submission and, given the Northern Ireland Executive is currently not meeting formally, officials there continue to observe the process closely.
“With this unique partnership, we are taking the appropriate next steps and our ambition is to stage a successful Euros, 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 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.
“Football must do everything possible to show how our sport can be a force for good — now more than ever.
“We are resolute in our belief in the power of football to help bring people together. We now look forward to receiving further tournament requirements and continuing our constructive dialogue with UEFA to advance our bid plans.”
The tournament is expected to see 32 entrants for the first time in European Championship history, which will likely mean mirroring the current World Cup format.