Turkey said on Tuesday that it was honored to have the opportunity to co-host the Euro 2032 competition with what it referred to as “friendly country” Italy.

“Turkey will beat at the center of football in 2032!” After UEFA announced the hosting rights for 2028 and 2032, Osman Askin Bak, the Turkish sports minister, made a statement on social media.

“We are happy to host #EURO2032 with the friendly country Italy. It is an honour to be rewarded for the steps we have taken in the 100th anniversary of our beautiful country, which we have woven together with investments into sport.”

This year, the predominately Muslim nation of Turkey marks 100 years since it became a secular post-Ottoman republic.

Italy and Turkey won the joint bid to host the 2032 event without facing any competition.

After also winning without opposition, the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland will host the 2028 edition.

Turkey has made numerous unsuccessful attempts to host the premier international football competition in Europe.

Austria and Switzerland won the right to co-host Euro 2008, defeating its joint bid with Greece.

It made another attempt to host the Euro 2012 and Euro 2016 but was unsuccessful, falling behind a joint France-Ukraine bid and subsequently France.

Also expressing “gratitude” to UEFA was the Turkish Football Federation.

“In the coming years, Italy and Turkey will collaborate intensively to offer fans the ultimate European Championship experience by 2032, working with great passion and commitment,” it said.

AFP