*The prime minister also called for Ukraine to be given a bye to the World Cup this year, which would result in Scotland being eliminated*
–
The government was forced to reiterate its support for Britain and Ireland’s bid to host Euro 2028 after Boris Johnson declared that Ukraine should be awarded the tournament.
Despite the football associations of England, Northern Ireland, Ireland, Scotland and Wales submitting to Uefa a joint “expression of interest” to host hours before, the prime minister endorsed a suggestion that Ukraine be given the rights, after being invaded by Russia.
Johnson also called for Ukraine to be given a bye to the World Cup this year, which would result in Scotland, whom they are due to face in a postponed play-off, being eliminated.
Speaking after the shock late submission by the Russian Football Union to host Euro 2028 or 2032 — which Italy is bidding for — Johnson piled pressure on Uefa to swiftly reject the proposal.
“The idea of Russia holding any kind of football tournament or any kind of cultural event is beyond satire,” he said. “I can’t believe that anybody would seriously consider their suggestion.”
Asked whether Ukraine should be awarded hosting rights, he said: “Yes, I think that the best thing possible would be for the entire Russian armed forces to retire forthwith from Ukraine and [for Uefa to] hand the tournament to them, of course.”
Johnson had used his official Twitter account to support Britain and Ireland’s joint bid less than 24 hours earlier, stating, “Let’s bring football home.”
He wrote: “The UK & Ireland bid for Euro 2028 has this government’s full backing. Our world-class stadiums and passionate fans stand ready to host one of the world’s greatest sporting events. Let’s bring football home.”
The prime minister’s official spokesman clarified Johnson’s remarks, saying that he is focused on the British and Irish bid. “Clearly we remain entirely committed to the UK and Ireland bid for Euro 2028, which retains the government’s full backing,” the spokesman said, adding that Johnson would “very much” like Uefa to rule out Russia hosting the tournament.
“All sorts of sporting bodies have taken responsible action in removing Russia from their competitions,” the spokesman said. “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 [Vladimir] Putin to reverse his course and change tack.” Uefa banned all Russian teams from competition on February 28 after Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. The Russian Football Union, however, was not suspended.
UK and Ireland remain overwhelming favourites to win the vote to host Euro 2028, but Russia’s shock entry prompted Turkey to also enter the running, which could delay Uefa’s plan to announce the host nations on April 7.
*Tom Roddy*
Thursday March 24 2022
When this war ends Ukraine will need years to rebuild.
I absolutely guarantee that Boris Winston depiffel Churchill Johnson will have moved on to fanboy elsewhere… because he’s an insufferable attention seeking cunt.
You think Eton and Oxford would have provided him with the basic ability of engaging the brain before opening the mouth.
You would have to be a real knuckle dragger not to be able to grasp that basic rule given the expense of the education.
If Euro 2028 is awarded to UK & Ireland, does that mean that the 5 hosting nations will automatically qualify? The hosts are usually given a guaranteed place in the finals, but giving 5 out of 32 places automatically is rather a lot.
Seems improbable, but why not get credit for saying it.
Boris Johnson must have been last to be picked for sports teams when he was at Eton, judging by his hatred of it. Lack of attention to detail of course applies to everything apart from when to meet his mistress, whoever it is now.
I am probably the only prime minister in UK history to be called Boris, I have that distinction.
7 comments
*The prime minister also called for Ukraine to be given a bye to the World Cup this year, which would result in Scotland being eliminated*
–
The government was forced to reiterate its support for Britain and Ireland’s bid to host Euro 2028 after Boris Johnson declared that Ukraine should be awarded the tournament.
Despite the football associations of England, Northern Ireland, Ireland, Scotland and Wales submitting to Uefa a joint “expression of interest” to host hours before, the prime minister endorsed a suggestion that Ukraine be given the rights, after being invaded by Russia.
Johnson also called for Ukraine to be given a bye to the World Cup this year, which would result in Scotland, whom they are due to face in a postponed play-off, being eliminated.
Speaking after the shock late submission by the Russian Football Union to host Euro 2028 or 2032 — which Italy is bidding for — Johnson piled pressure on Uefa to swiftly reject the proposal.
“The idea of Russia holding any kind of football tournament or any kind of cultural event is beyond satire,” he said. “I can’t believe that anybody would seriously consider their suggestion.”
Asked whether Ukraine should be awarded hosting rights, he said: “Yes, I think that the best thing possible would be for the entire Russian armed forces to retire forthwith from Ukraine and [for Uefa to] hand the tournament to them, of course.”
Johnson had used his official Twitter account to support Britain and Ireland’s joint bid less than 24 hours earlier, stating, “Let’s bring football home.”
He wrote: “The UK & Ireland bid for Euro 2028 has this government’s full backing. Our world-class stadiums and passionate fans stand ready to host one of the world’s greatest sporting events. Let’s bring football home.”
The prime minister’s official spokesman clarified Johnson’s remarks, saying that he is focused on the British and Irish bid. “Clearly we remain entirely committed to the UK and Ireland bid for Euro 2028, which retains the government’s full backing,” the spokesman said, adding that Johnson would “very much” like Uefa to rule out Russia hosting the tournament.
“All sorts of sporting bodies have taken responsible action in removing Russia from their competitions,” the spokesman said. “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 [Vladimir] Putin to reverse his course and change tack.” Uefa banned all Russian teams from competition on February 28 after Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. The Russian Football Union, however, was not suspended.
UK and Ireland remain overwhelming favourites to win the vote to host Euro 2028, but Russia’s shock entry prompted Turkey to also enter the running, which could delay Uefa’s plan to announce the host nations on April 7.
*Tom Roddy*
Thursday March 24 2022
When this war ends Ukraine will need years to rebuild.
I absolutely guarantee that Boris Winston depiffel Churchill Johnson will have moved on to fanboy elsewhere… because he’s an insufferable attention seeking cunt.
You think Eton and Oxford would have provided him with the basic ability of engaging the brain before opening the mouth.
You would have to be a real knuckle dragger not to be able to grasp that basic rule given the expense of the education.
If Euro 2028 is awarded to UK & Ireland, does that mean that the 5 hosting nations will automatically qualify? The hosts are usually given a guaranteed place in the finals, but giving 5 out of 32 places automatically is rather a lot.
Seems improbable, but why not get credit for saying it.
Boris Johnson must have been last to be picked for sports teams when he was at Eton, judging by his hatred of it. Lack of attention to detail of course applies to everything apart from when to meet his mistress, whoever it is now.
I am probably the only prime minister in UK history to be called Boris, I have that distinction.
Or the only one called absolute cunt