The Crux reports that Turkey has been selected to co-host the 2032 European Championship with Italy, which is considered as the country’s most prestigious sporting event to be staged.
Turkish Sports Minister, Osman Askin Bak, expressed his delight over the selection and said, “The heart of football will beat in Turkey in 2032. We are delighted to co-host Euro 2032 with our friendly country Italy.”
Bak further added that hosting the Euros will mark a significant step forward for Turkish football and will showcase the several great stadiums and facilities that are already in place, with more under construction.
The news of Turkey co-hosting the event was welcomed with great enthusiasm in Istanbul, the largest city in the country.
It was considered a proud moment for the people of Turkey as they will be hosting one of the most significant and watched sporting events in the world.
Muammer Unluer, a 59-year-old car upholsterer, expressed his happiness and said, “Of course, it is something that makes us proud. It’s the most beautiful thing in the world, soccer. All the people of Europe will come to my country. They are going to contribute to my economy.”
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Turkey, with a population of 85 million, has previously hosted the Champions League final and F1 races.
However, it has never staged the most watched sporting events like soccer’s World Cup and European Championship or the Olympic Games.
Consequently, Omer Ozturk, a 53-year-old textile worker, believes that hosting the event will reflect positively on the economy of the country. “It will reflect on the economy. Our country is not embraced by world countries, but if we present ourselves nicely, people will be more sensitive towards our economy. Our country needs this for publicity,” he said.
Although the cities that will host games at Euro 2032 are yet to be decided, Turkey has several options that already have the necessary stadiums and facilities in place.
Bak hinted that Turkey may also consider bidding to host the Olympics in the future, which could further boost the country’s profile and bring in increased investment.
