Defiant Russia Stuns UEFA with Euro 2032 Hosting Claim Despite Ongoing Ban

Russia has sensationally claimed it is ready to host Euro 2032 if Italy fails to meet UEFA’s infrastructure standards, despite its ongoing suspension from international football.

The Russian Football Union president, Alexander Dyukov declared that the country “is always ready” to stage the tournament, reigniting debate over its future role in European football.

Russia’s Defiant Bid Despite UEFA Suspension

The comments came after UEFA reportedly expressed concern over Italy’s readiness to co-host the competition with Turkey in seven years’ time. Russia, banned from all FIFA and UEFA competitions since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, has continued to play friendly matches against nations such as Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan while exploring ways to re-establish itself on the continental stage.

Dyukov, who also serves as chairman of Gazprom Neft, told Russian outlet Sport24 after a match against Bolivia that the nation stands prepared to step in should Italy be stripped of hosting duties. He said, “Russia is always ready,” echoing a wider sentiment in Moscow that European football should once again open its doors to the country.

Russian media outlet Izvestia clarified that no new bid has been filed for Euro 2032, with officials instead referencing an application first lodged in 2022 before sanctions were imposed. Still, the suggestion underlines the nation’s determination to regain influence within UEFA despite its isolation.

The UEFA Executive Committee has today declared the bid submitted by the Football Union of Russia to host UEFA EURO 2028 or UEFA EURO 2032 as ineligible.

This is one of several decisions relating to the on-going suspension of Russian teams and clubs from UEFA competitions.

— UEFA (@UEFA) May 2, 2022

Italy Faces Growing Scrutiny Over Stadium Readiness

Meanwhile, Italy’s preparations for Euro 2032 are under increasing pressure following comments from Italian league president Ezio Simonelli. He admitted he is “really worried” about the nation’s ability to deliver modern venues, with UEFA president Alexander Ceferin describing the country’s stadium infrastructure as being in a “comatose state.”

Simonelli noted that only six new stadiums have been built in Italy in the past 18 years, three of which belong to Serie A clubs. He warned that bureaucracy, heritage protection laws, and a lack of investment could jeopardise the country’s readiness, saying:

“We are behind all the other countries. In the rest of Europe, 226 stadiums have been inaugurated over the same period. I’m very worried — we risk making a poor impression internationally.”

Despite these concerns, Italian authorities insist that renovation work on key venues such as San Siro and the Stadio Olimpico remains on schedule. However, Russia’s remarks have added further controversy to an already delicate situation, casting doubt over UEFA’s confidence in Italy’s plans.

Even as its international ban persists, Russia continues to position itself as a willing host for major tournaments — a reminder of its ambitions to rejoin European football’s inner circle. Whether UEFA would even entertain such an idea remains deeply unlikely, but Dyukov’s statement has reignited political tension over who truly holds influence in the corridors of football power.