A corresponding declaration of intent had been made, said the head of the association, Alexander Dyukov, on Wednesday, according to the Tass agency. The association now has until April 12, 2023 to prepare the application. Great Britain and Ireland had previously submitted a joint application for 2028, followed by Turkey.
Russia has experience in hosting major 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. Russian teams and athletes were suspended from their sports federations after the February 24 attack on Ukraine. The Russian national football team has been banned from qualifying for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The British and Irish Football Associations are jointly bidding for Euro 2028. “We believe Euro 2028 will be one of the biggest sporting events the UK and Ireland have ever hosted,” said a joint statement. “This unprecedented partnership of five associations offers something special to European football, including the potential for an expanded tournament.”
The application period ended on Wednesday. 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 finals in 2032, with Italy being discussed as the host. The EM 2028 may be held for the first time with 32 instead of the previous 24 teams.
Source: Nachrichten
