Turkey submits bid to host Euro 2028
The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) confirmed on Wednesday that it had submitted an application with Uefa to host the 2028 European Football Championship.
The "expression of interest" comes on the final day for the submission of applications, and is rivalled by a joint UK and Republic of Ireland bid to host the tournament.
Despite being banned from international football in the wake of the invasion of Ukraine, Russia has also expressed an interest in hosting Euro 2028.
The Football Union of Russia said on its website that an executive committee meeting on Wednesday had decided to "support the decision to declare interest in hosting the European Championship 2028 or 2032 in Russia".
Uefa has not yet responded to the Russian declaration but is expected to issue a statement after the deadline for formal bids passes at 5pm.
A joint statement from the football associations of England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland read: “we believe Euro 2028 would be one of the greatest sporting events ever held in the UK and Ireland.
“This unprecedented partnership of five associations offers something special to European football, including the potential for an expanded tournament, and we are passionate about maximising the sustainability and legacy benefits for communities across the UK and Ireland.”
The statement confirming the expression of interest by the five nations pointed out that they would be able to host a 32-team competition, should UEFA opt to increase the number of teams from the current 24.
A decision on that is expected on 7 April.
Turkey previously bid for the Euros in 2016 and 2024, but was beaten by France and Germany respectively.
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