UEFA Threatens Italy with Euro 2032 Hosting Withdrawal After World Cup Qualification Failure

G. E (Elbotola)

02 April 2026at13:35

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin has expressed his explicit support for Gabriele Gravina, President of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), following the Italian national team's failure to qualify for the World Cup. Ceferin largely attributed the decline in the country's sports infrastructure to Italian politicians, deeming it among the worst in Europe at present.

Ceferin stressed Gravina's significant importance to the European football system, given his position as the First Vice President of the continental federation. Ceferin stated, "Gabriel is my first vice-president and he is very important to me, but the biggest loss would be for the Italian Federation, as it will not be easy to find a man who loves football and Italy so much."

The UEFA President also issued a strong warning regarding Italy's co-hosting bid for the Euro 2032 finals with Turkey. He clarified that the tournament might not take place in Italy if essential improvements to stadiums and facilities are not completed, stating, "Euro 2032 is on the schedule and is set to take place, and I hope the infrastructure will be ready, otherwise the tournament will not be played in Italy."

Ceferin criticized the political inertia in addressing stadium crises, urging Italian decision-makers to review their policies rather than placing full responsibility on the federation's leadership. Ceferin questioned, "Perhaps Italian politicians should ask themselves why Italy has one of the worst football infrastructures in Europe?" This statement comes amidst continuous calls for facility modernization to ensure compliance with required continental and international standards.

Q&A

What did UEFA President Ceferin say about Gabriele Gravina?

UEFA President Ceferin publicly supported Gabriele Gravina, FIGC President, after Italy's World Cup qualification failure. Ceferin emphasized Gravina's importance as his First Vice-President and criticized those blaming him, instead pointing to neglected sports facilities as the real issue.

Why is Italy's football infrastructure a concern for UEFA?

Italy's football infrastructure is a concern for UEFA because President Ceferin considers it among Europe's worst, attributing responsibility to Italian politicians. He warned that without essential improvements to stadiums and facilities, Italy risks losing its co-hosting rights for a major upcoming tournament.

What are the implications for Italy's Euro 2032 hosting bid?

The implications for Italy's Euro 2032 hosting bid are significant, as UEFA President Ceferin warned the tournament might not take place in Italy if stadium improvements aren't completed. He urged Italian politicians to review policies and address facility modernization to meet international standards.

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