Gaffe-prone Boris Johnson tried to torpedo a UK bid to host Euro 2028 that he backed just hours earlier.
A bid from the UK & Ireland to host the continent’s biggest tournament in six years’ time was expected to be unopposed, only for Russia and Turkey to launch their own applications at the 11th hour. Russia are currently suspended by both FIFA and UEFA, but have still put their name forward to host the competition.
Russia and Turkey have also bid for the subsequent 2032 edition of the tournament, rivalling Italy in that process. The final decision on who will host the two tournaments will now be made in September of 2023, triggering what is set to be a long campaign to win the right to host the European Championship.