Russia has made a late bid to host the men’sThe UK and Republic of Ireland hadat staging the event as the deadline for expressing submissions of interest to Uefa approached. But a statement from the Russian Football Union said the country was interested in bidding for the tournament not just in 2028 but 2032 as well.The results of a meeting of the executive committee of the RFU were posted on its website on Wednesday.
Russia hosted the Fifa World Cup in 2018 but has effectively been made a sporting pariah in the past month since the invasion of Ukraine. Fifa removed the men’s national side from the qualification play-offs for the World Cup in Qatar, andbanned club and national sides from its competitions. The RFU has appealed against both decisions to the court of arbitration for sport. Now Russian footballing authorities are challenging the European consensus again.
Uefa is expected to comment on Russia’s submission after the deadline for expressions of interest passes at 5pm GMT on Wednesday. After confirmation of the Russian decision, the Turkish Football Federation said it would be bidding to host the 2028 tournament. The UK and Ireland have submitted their confirmation of interest and they remain favourites to host the tournament. However expectations of an early rubber stamp for their proposal, at a Uefa meeting early next month, look set to be dashed.