The UK and Ireland have officially been joined by both Turkey and Russia in declaring interest in hosting Euro 2028.
It had initially seemed earlier in the week that the British and Irish bid would not be challenged, but Turkey and, remarkably, Russia, have registered their interest in hosting either Euro 2028 or Euro 2032.
Russia’s potential bid comes despite a ban on international football as part of a wider sporting exile imposed on the country following the invasion of Ukraine.
While their interest, as with Turkey, is for hosting in either 2028 or 2032, the British and Irish bid is just for Euro 2028.
Italy, who hosted the Euros in 1980 and the World Cup a decade later, have declared their interest in hosting Euro 2032.
A statement said: “UEFA today confirmed that it has received declarations of interest to host the 2028 and 2032 editions of the UEFA EURO from four potential bidders following the deadline of 23 March.
“A joint declaration of interest was submitted by the football associations of England, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Scotland and Wales for UEFA EURO 2028.
“Russia and Turkey declared their interest in hosting either the 2028 or 2032 edition of UEFA’s flagship national team competition, while Italy announced its intention to bid for UEFA EURO 2032.
“The appointment of host(s) of UEFA EURO 2028 and UEFA EURO 2032 will be made in September 2023.”
