Russia unexpectedly applies to host Euro despite being banned from competing

(Dan Tri) - Russia has just caused a surprise when it announced its readiness to replace Italy as host of Euro 2032, amid growing concerns about the deterioration of stadiums in the boot-shaped country.

Euro 2032 is scheduled to be co-hosted by Italy and Turkey, but many sources say preparations in Italy are facing many difficulties. Old infrastructure, complicated administrative procedures and slow renovation progress have made UEFA worry that the country may not be able to complete it in time for the tournament.

Russia unexpectedly applied to host Euro 2032 instead of Italy (Photo: Getty).

In that context, Russia, despite being banned from participating in international tournaments of UEFA and FIFA, still affirmed its readiness to host the number one football tournament in Europe if Italy has problems.

The President of the Moscow Football Federation, Mr. Alexander Dyukov, stated on the Sport.ru website (Russia): "Italy is having problems with the stadium. If they cannot guarantee the organization, we are ready to replace them. Russia is ready to host Euro 2032 instead of Italy."

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, of the 10 stadiums proposed by Italy for Euro 2032, only one has been approved by UEFA. In addition, the scenario of Türkiye hosting alone is also being considered.

Russia had bids to host Euro 2028 and Euro 2032, but both bids were rejected because of the war with Ukraine. Despite this, the Russian national team continued to play friendly matches against non-European teams during the ban.

Although the possibility of UEFA considering Dyukov's proposal is very low, the issue of stadiums in Italy is becoming a "hot spot". UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin once frankly commented: "It's a shame. Italy has the worst infrastructure among European football powers."

Most stadiums in Italy are in a state of serious disrepair (Photo: Getty).

Earlier in August, Mr. Ezio Simonelli, President of the Italian Football League Association, also expressed concern that the country could lose the right to host Euro 2032.

“I am really worried,” he told Italian national radio. “When the UEFA president says that stadiums in Italy are deteriorating and the Euros are only six years away, it is clear that we have a serious problem.”

According to him, only Udine, Bergamo and Turin are in a moderate state, while most of the other stadiums have seriously deteriorated. Iconic structures such as San Siro (Milan) or Stadio Olimpico (Rome) have not been significantly renovated for many years, due to a series of complicated regulations and procedures.

“In the last 18 years, Italy has only opened six new stadiums, three of them in Serie A, while the rest of Europe has opened 226. We are urging the government to simplify the licensing process and limit the interference of heritage committees, which stall all projects,” added Mr. Simonelli.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-thao/nga-bat-ngo-xin-dang-cai-euro-du-bi-cam-thi-dau-20251028091011000.htm