Putin's war of aggression is going on in Ukraine, but Russia wants the European Football Championship in 2028 or 2032
Created: 03/23/2022, 18:14
By: Andreas Knobloch
EM in Russia 2028 or 2032 despite the Ukraine war?
© Imago 2x
Is it really bold?
Despite the war of aggression against Ukraine, Russia is applying for the European Football Championship in 2028 and 2032. But who are the favourites?
Moscow - You almost fell for it.
If the message had come from a satirical site or been published on April 1, one would have smiled briefly.
But it is more serious than it might seem at first glance.
Yes, Russia is really applying for the European Football Championship in 2028 and 2032. The country, which is currently waging a war of aggression against Ukraine and has already been excluded from all sporting events such as the 2022 World Cup qualifier, is considering hosting a major event in its own country.
Despite tough sanctions for the war of aggression against Ukraine, the almost completely isolated Russia wants to host the European Football Championship in 2028 or 2032.
A corresponding declaration of intent had been made, said the Russian head of the association, Alexander Dyukov, on Wednesday, according to the TASS news agency.
The association now has until April 12, 2023 to prepare the application.
Russia has experience in hosting big tournaments, Dyukov said.
The country hosted the World Cup in 2018, in 2021 several matches of the European Championship were held in the metropolitan city of St. Petersburg.
EM 2028 or 2032 in Russia?
Favorites are Great Britain and Ireland
Great Britain and Ireland are the favorites to host the tournament in six years' time.
The football associations submitted a joint application for the European Championship on Wednesday, the last day of the application period.
The European football union UEFA wants to announce the possible candidates at the beginning of April.
The tournament is to be awarded together with the 2032 finals.
Italy is being discussed as a host.
Meanwhile, Turkey is also applying for the major event in 2028, as the national football association announced on Wednesday.
The organizer of the EM 2024 is Germany*.
events | applicant |
EURO 2028 | Great Britain and Ireland, Russia, Turkey |
EURO 2032 | Italy, Russia |
"We believe that Euro 2028 will be one of the biggest sporting events the UK and Ireland have ever hosted," said a joint British and Irish statement.
"This unprecedented partnership of five associations offers something special to European football, including the potential for an expanded tournament."
European Football Championship 2028 or 2032 in Russia?
Application at the wrong time
In February, the associations of England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland announced that they would not bid for the 2030 World Cup.
Last year, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke euphorically of plans for the World Cup.
However, after the failed English World Cup applications for 2006 and 2018, he received sharp criticism.
Meanwhile, Russia's bid is untimely and has no chance of success in the foreseeable future.
Russian teams and athletes were suspended from their sports federations following the February 24 military attack on Ukraine.
The Russian national football team has just been banned from qualifying for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
(acknowledgment with dpa)
