Turkey launch 11th hour Euro 2028 bid as Britain and Ireland face new rival for UEFA festival of football

Turkey have made a late bid to host Euro 2028, UEFA have confirmed.

It seemed earlier in the week that the UK and Ireland's quest to host the showpiece event would not be challenged, before a remarkable approach from Russia amid their ban on international football.

But now a more feasible rival could have surfaced in Turkey, who will stage next season's Champions League final in Istanbul's Ataturk Olympic Stadium.

Turkey previously bid for the Euros in 2016 and 2024, but were beaten by France and Germany respectively.

A statement from UEFA read: “UEFA today confirmed that it has received declarations of interest to host the 2028 and 2032 editions of the UEFA EURO from four potential bidders following the deadline of 23 March.

“A joint declaration of interest was submitted by the football associations of England, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Scotland and Wales for UEFA EURO 2028.

“Russia and Turkey declared their interest in hosting either the 2028 or 2032 edition of UEFA’s flagship national team competition, while Italy announced its intention to bid for UEFA EURO 2032.

“The appointment of host(s) of UEFA EURO 2028 and UEFA EURO 2032 will be made in September 2023.”

Russia’s bid comes despite a ban on international football after being imposed sanctions following the invasion of Ukraine.

The British and Irish bid is just for Euro 2028 while Turkey and Russia are happy to host in either 2028 or 2032.