Russia unexpectedly bids to host the Euro despite being banned from competing.

(Dan Tri Newspaper) - Russia has just caused a surprise by declaring its readiness to replace Italy as host of Euro 2032, amid growing concerns about the deteriorating condition of stadiums in the country shaped like a boot.

According to the plan, Euro 2032 will be co-hosted by Italy and Türkiye, but many sources suggest that preparations in Italy are facing numerous difficulties. Outdated infrastructure, complicated administrative procedures, and slow renovation progress are causing UEFA concern that the country may not be able to complete everything in time for the tournament.

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

In this context, Russia, despite being banned from UEFA and FIFA international tournaments, has affirmed its readiness to host Europe's premier football tournament if Italy encounters any problems.

The president of the Moscow Football Federation, Alexander Dyukov, declared on the Russian website Sport.ru: “Italy is having problems with stadiums. If they cannot guarantee hosting, 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 so far. Additionally, the scenario of Türkiye hosting the tournament alone is also being considered.

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

Although the chances of UEFA considering Dyukov's offer are very low, the issue of stadiums in Italy is becoming a "hot topic." UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin once frankly stated: "It's shameful. Italy has the worst infrastructure among European football powerhouses."

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

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

He shared on Italian national radio: "I am genuinely worried. When the UEFA president says that stadiums in Italy are deteriorating with the Euros just six years away, it's clear we have a serious problem."

According to him, only Udine, Bergamo, and Turin are in relatively good condition, while most other stadiums are in serious disrepair. Iconic venues like San Siro (Milan) or Stadio Olimpico (Rome) have not undergone significant renovations for many years due to numerous complex regulations and procedures.

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

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