Italy Warned Over Euro 2032 Hosting Rights Amid Stadium Crisis

Italy's bid to co-host the UEFA European Championship in 2032 faces significant hurdles due to noticeable delays in upgrading its sports stadium infrastructure, threatening its partnership with Turkey for the continental event.

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin issued a direct warning, stating that the tournament would not be held in Italy if there wasn't a tangible improvement in current facilities. He explained that Italy possesses one of the continent's worst football infrastructures, saying, "You have a football infrastructure that is among the worst in Europe, and if these facilities do not change, Euro 2032 will not be held there."

Italian football authorities have sought swift government intervention to address the situation. The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has put forward proposals for financial support, including allocating 1% of football betting revenues and tax credits, demands that have not yet been fully implemented.

In a move aimed at accelerating progress, Massimo Cessa has been appointed as a special commissioner to oversee the development of the five stadiums required for the tournament. Currently, Juventus' Allianz Stadium is the only venue confirmed to host matches for the upcoming international competition on Italy's list.

Regarding logistical preparations, reports indicate that the Italian government has allocated €100 million as a first installment for the construction and development of new stadiums. Time pressure is mounting, as municipalities must submit documentation demonstrating positive progress in their work to the FIGC by next July.

In the same context, a disparity in readiness between the two co-hosting nations is evident, with Turkey significantly ahead of Italy in stadium development. This places the Italian side under pressure to provide final indications to UEFA regarding the host stadiums by next September to ensure their continued inclusion in the hosting plan.