‘Beyond satire’: UEFA set to ban Russia after shameless bid to host Euro 2028

Despite being condemned across the world for invading Ukraine, it hasn’t stopped Russia from trying an audacious sporting bid.

Russia was kicked out of a World Cup playoff but still launched a bid to host Euro 2028. Picture: Alexander Vilf/Sputnik via AFP

Russia is set to be banned by UEFA after an audacious late bid to host Euro 2028, despite the country currently being under severe widespread sanctions over its invasion of Ukraine.

The country sparked chaos on Wednesday with its last-ditch attempt to stage the tournament – or the one four years later, The Sun reports.

It was a move that UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson described as “beyond satire” and “beyond comprehension.

As a result, Turkey also tried its luck to host the competition, aiming to capitalise on the split field after a UK and Ireland joint bid looked on course to win the event unchallenged.

But although the Russian team was booted out of yesterday’s scheduled World Cup playoff semi-final against Poland by FIFA and UEFA, neither organisation suspended Russia’s footballing body.

It means Russian Football Union president Alexander Dyukov, chief executive of Gazprom and a prominent supporter of Russian President Vladimir Putin, has retained his place.

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Vladimir Putin was all smiles when Russia hosted the 2018 World Cup. The country tried to bid for Euro 2028 despite its invasion of Ukraine. Picture: Alexander Nemenov/AFP

However, according to the Daily Mail, UEFA plans to stop the Russian application by suspending them anyway.

Article 11 of the European football governing body’s constitution states suspended associations cannot bid to host tournaments.

Asked if Russia would be allowed to host Euro 2028, a UEFA spokesman said: “The UEFA executive committee will remain on standby to convene further extraordinary meetings to reassess the legal and factual situation as it evolves and adopt further decisions as necessary.”

The Home Nations (UK and Ireland) were hoping to have their winning confirmation in April after submitting their joint expression of interest.

Russia was kicked out of a World Cup playoff but still launched a bid to host Euro 2028. Picture: Alexander Vilf/Sputnik via AFP

But this could now be pushed back until as late as September 2023 if Turkey follows through on its plan to try its luck.

On top of the extra wait, the UK’s Football Association now faces a $17.5 million bill to ensure its bid wins.

One insider said: “It is just despicable that Russia still thinks it is part of the community of civilised nations.

“This is a disgrace, pure and simple.”

Germany will stage the tournament in 2024 while Italy is expected to host Euro 2032.

This article originally appeared in The Sun and was reproduced with permission

Originally published as ‘Beyond satire’: UEFA set to ban Russia after shameless bid to host Euro 2028