28 July 2023 , 11:45
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The UK and Ireland look set to host Euro 2028 after UEFA confirmed Italy and Turkey will merge their bids for Euro 2032.
Turkey have been bidding for both tournaments, challenging an England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland collaboration to host the competition in five years time, while also rivalling Italy for the tournament four years later. Italy are only bidding for the 2032 edition.
And while Turkey have not officially withdrawn from the race to host solo in 2028, Mirror Football understands they believe that that tournament will be heading to the UK and Ireland. Additionally, believing Italy are also slight favourites for 2032 - albeit in a closer race - the two parties have taken the decision to make a pragmatic move and align bids.
UEFA said in a statement: “UEFA confirms that it has received today a request from the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) and the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) to merge their individual bids into one joint bid to host UEFA EURO 2032. UEFA will now work with FIGC and TFF to ensure that the documentation to be submitted for their joint bid is compliant with the bidding requirements.”
UEFA is expected to make a decision on whether the joint bid is compliant well in advance of October 10, when the executive committee will decide who will host Euro 2028 and Euro 2032.
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The Italian FA said the decision to bid jointly with Turkey had been reached following a “complex and fruitful consultation process”.
FIGC president Gabriele Gravina said: “We are facing a historic turning point that aims to enhance continental football. Football wants to be an ideal bridge for sharing passions and emotions related to sport.”
The UK and Ireland have promised a "record-breaking and unforgettable" tournament if their plans for 2028 come to fruition, hosting across five nations, utilising 10 stadia: Wembley, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the Etihad Stadium, Everton ’s new Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium, Villa Park and St James’ Park in England, a redeveloped Casement Park in Belfast, the Dublin Arena in the Republic of Ireland, Hampden Park in Scotland and the Cardiff National Stadium in Wales.
Debbie Hewitt, chair of UK and Ireland bid, said in a statement when the final plan was submitted in April.
“We will work together tirelessly to be the best partners for UEFA and to deliver on every one of our shared priorities. We will focus on growing football, connecting with and engaging new fans, players and volunteers. We continue to invest £50million (57m euros) annually into grassroots football development across our five associations.
“Together, we want UEFA Euro 2028 to be the catalyst for a new and sustainable era for football, from the grassroots to the very top of the European game.”
Germany will host the competition in 2024.
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