Russia declares interest in hosting Euro 2028 or 2032 despite football ban

Russia has declared an interest in rivalling the UK and Republic of Ireland for the right to host Euro 2028 despite their current ban from international football.

Russian clubs and national teams are suspended by Fifa and Uefa over the country’s invasion of Ukraine, pending the outcome of an appeal by the Football Union of Russia to the court of arbitration for sport.

However, that has not stopped the union’s executive committee giving its backing for a bid for 2028 and 2032, with the deadline for expressions of interest set for Wednesday.

A post on the union’s official website outlined a number of results from Wednesday’s executive committee meeting which included to “support the decision to declare interest in hosting the European Championship 2028 or 2032 in Russia”.

On Wednesday the UK and Ireland submitted its initial bid to host Euro 2028 to Uefa. A joint statement pointed out the five-nation bid’s capability to host a 32-team finals, should Uefa increase the number of teams from the current 24.

“We believe Euro 2028 would be one of the greatest sporting events ever held in the UK and Ireland,” the statement said.

Uefa had no immediate response to the Russian declaration but is expected toissue a statement when the deadline for declarations of interest passes at 5pm GMT.