In a shocking move, Russia has expressed its interest to host the 2028 European Championship in a challenge to the UK entry or against Italy for the 2032 edition. Russia has been banned from international football following Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.

A meeting of the Russian Football Union (RFU) executive committee decided on Wednesday to “support the decision to declare interest” in the 2028 and 2032 tournaments. The statement was made ahead of the deadline for expressions of interest to be submitted to UEFA. A decision on both tournaments will be made in September 2023.

Last month, Russian football clubs and national teams were suspended from FIFA and UEFA competitions, pending the outcome of an appeal by the Football Union of Russia to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. However, this has not stopped the RFU’s executive committee giving its backing for the bid.

Also Read | FIFA, UEFA ban Russian teams from all competitions after Ukraine invasion

“We must take the opportunity to host the Euro,” RFU president, Alexander Dyukov, who still sits on the UEFA executive committee, told Russia’s Match TV. “It will be at the World Cup stadiums and we have developed infrastructure.”

Earlier Wednesday, the UK and Ireland formally submitted their bid to host UEFA Euro 2028.

The five associations (England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland) confirmed in a joint statement on Wednesday that an “expression of interest” (EOI) had been filed to UEFA.

“With this unique partnership, we are taking the appropriate next steps and our ambition is to stage a successful UEFA Euro which will be a wonderful celebration of football for fans and teams,” a joint statement from the five associations read.

“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.”

Also Read | Russian football federation appeals against FIFA, UEFA bans

The Turkish Football Federation confirmed later that they had also sent an EOI to UEFA.

“The Turkish Football Federation has made an official candidacy application to UEFA for the 2028 European Football Championship finals to be held in Turkey,” they said in a statement.

Russia hosted the 2018 World Cup and the venue for the final—Luzhniki Stadium. Last week, a rally took place at the stadium supporting President Vladimir Putin.