Russia make major claim about hosting Euro 2032 despite being banned by UEFA

Russia are ready to host Euro 2032 if Italy fail to meet their obligations for the tournament according to the nation’s Football Union President Alexander Dyukov

Russian Football Union President Alexander Dyukov has claimed the nation are ready to host Euro 2032 if Italy are unable to fulfil their obligations — despite being banned from international competition by FIFA and UEFA. Russia has been banned by the governing bodies since launching an invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

But that has not stopped Dyukov from expressing his country’s readiness to firmly involve itself in European football once again amid concerns over Italy’s ability to host. Italy is currently expected to co-host the Euros with Turkey in seven years’ time.

There remains uncertainty over the venues set to be used for the tournament. Investment in renovations and new stadiums is taking place, with the San Siro just one iconic stadium set to be transformed.

Asked if his nation was ready to step up if Italy were cast aside, Dyukov was forthright. “Russia is always ready,” he told Sport24 following Russia’s match with Bolivia.

Russian outlet Izvestia has clarified that a new bid has not been made for the competition, however. They report that the Russian Football Union says an application was made in 2022.

READ MORE: Just one Premier League game on Boxing Day due to Sky Sports and TNT Sport obligationsREAD MORE: Mikel Arteta gets earful again as Jeff Stelling forced to switch off Arsenal match

Speaking earlier this year, Ezio Simonelli, the president of the Italian league’s governing body, expressed his concerns after UEFA boss Alexander Ceferin criticised Italy’s infrastructure. “I’m really worried about Euro 2032,” Simonelli told Italian state radio.

“Is the candidacy at risk? I hope it’s just my concern, but when the president of UEFA says that our stadiums are in a comatose state and the Euros are in six years’ time, we risk not making a very good impression on an international level.

“It’s a shame, however, that, beyond Udine, Bergamo and Turin, the rest of our stadiums are in a comatose state. Ceferin has strongly criticised Italian stadiums and I agree with him.”

Simonelli added: “We are behind all the other countries. In the last 18 years we have only inaugurated six stadiums, of which only three are in Serie A. In the rest of Europe, 226.

“I am very worried. We are pressing the government to streamline the procedure and thus silence the famous ‘no committees,’ which in Italy never get anything done, and the authorities that are supposed to protect cultural heritage.”

Despite its ban from competition, Russia has still managed to find opponents. It has faced Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan and was invited to play in the Central Asian Football Association in 2023.

The nation has previously looked at the possibility of quitting European football permanently. They explored the option of quitting UEFA and instead switching to the Asian Football Confederation

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.