If a host fails
Euro 2032? Russia would be ready
October 27, 2025 – 5:42 p.mReading time: 1 min.
A high-ranking sports official in Moscow is asked about speculation about problems surrounding the 2032 European Football Championship. He responds with a pioneer’s greeting – and thus fuels further rumors.
Despite ongoing sanctions, Russia apparently wants to return to the international football stage. If Italy is no longer one of the co-hosts of the 2032 European Championship, the Russian association is ready to take over.
“Russia is always ready,” said association head Alexander Dyukov in an interview with the “Sport24” portal. The question was whether Russia could step in if Italy had to give up hosting due to infrastructural problems. However, Djukov did not provide any specific information about a renewed application. UEFA had already ruled out a Russian application for future tournaments in 2022.
The 2032 European Championship is currently planned as a joint project by Türkiye and Italy. In recent months, however, there has been increased criticism of the condition of the stadiums in Italy. Some arenas were classified as unsuitable for tournaments.
A change of venue to Russia still seems extremely unlikely. Because of the war against Ukraine ordered by Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin, both club teams and the Russian Football Association were excluded from international competitions.