Boris Johnson Forced Into Embarrassing U-Turn After Backing Ukraine As Hosts For Euro 2028
Johnson had previously backed the UK and Ireland bid but seemed to go against that whilst condemning Russia's bid for the tournament.
Boris Johnson had to do a u-turn on his claim to give Euro 2028 to Ukraine, after he'd previously given his backing to the UK and Ireland bid.
It looked like the UK and Ireland were nailed on to host the Euros in six years time, as a joint bid from the five different countries, with no other bids expected.
However, despite the team being banned from all international tournaments, the federation isn't and a report in Russia claimed they were going to bid to have the tournament held in the country, and for the championships in 2032, which Italy was expected to host.
On Thursday, Johnson arrived in Brussels for a NATO summit to discuss the ongoing invasion of Ukraine by Russia, and the British Prime Minister criticised the Russian bid on arrival but bizarrely backed Ukraine to host.
"The idea of Russia holding any kind of football tournament or any cultural event right now is beyond satire," Johnson told Sky News.
"I can't believe that anyone would even consider their suggestion.
"I think the best thing possible would be that the entire Russian armed forces retire forthwith from Ukraine and hand the tournament to them, of course."
Confusingly, the PM had publicly backed the bid for England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland to host the Euros just 24 hours before.
"The UK & Ireland bid for the UEFA Euro 2028 has this government's full backing," Johnson posted on social media.
"Our world-class stadiums and passionate fans stand ready to host one of the world's greatest sporting events. Let's bring football home."
Having supported the bid and then backed Ukraine to host, a spokesman for the PM hastily corrected what Johnson had said.
"Clearly we remain entirely committed to the UK and Ireland bid for Euro 2028 which retains the Government's full backing," a statement said.
"All sorts of sporting bodies have taken responsible action in removing Russia from their competitions," the spokesman added.
"They should not be able to compete or have the prestige of taking part in global tournaments.
"This is not because we want to punish the Russian people, it is simply because it is another way of putting pressure on Putin to reverse his course and change tack."
There hasn't been a major men's tournament in football held in the UK since England hosted Euro 1996, despite bids since, most notably for the 2018 World Cup which went to Russia.
Matches at last year's Euros were played in England and Scotland, including all of Gareth Southgate's side's group games and the semi finals and final, whilst the Republic of Ireland were supposed to host games too.
The next Euros will be held in Germany in 2024 and following the tournament UEFA reportedly want to increase the tournament to 32 teams, from the current 24.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Euro 2028, England, Boris Johnson, Russia
Ryan Sidle