Ceferin issues warning to Italy regarding EURO 2032

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin has made critical remarks regarding the 2032 European Football Championship. Stating that Italy, which will co-host the tournament with Turkey, must complete its infrastructure projects in full by the time of the tournament, Ceferin warned that otherwise, the major event would not take place as planned.

Following the Italian national football team's elimination on penalties by Bosnia and Herzegovina in the FIFA 2026 World Cup European Qualifiers play-off round, failing once again to secure a World Cup spot, the general direction of football and organizational preparations in the country had returned to the agenda. In light of these developments, the warning from UEFA's highest-ranking official is being interpreted as a serious message for Italy.

In an interview with the newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, Ceferin pointed out that stadiums and infrastructure must be ready, stating, "EURO 2032 will take place as planned. I hope the infrastructure will be ready. Otherwise, the tournament will not be played in Italy."

Highlighting Italy's deep-rooted football tradition, Ceferin also touched upon the relationship between sports and politics in the country. Ceferin made the following assessment: "The biggest problem in Italian football is the relationship between football politics and 'normal' politics. If everyone acts on the same page, you can become European and world champions again in a short time. But if people who constantly think negatively continue like this, then things will really go from bad to worse in Italian football."

These words serve as a serious warning both for the organization of the tournament and for the future of Italian football.

News Source: 12punto