Boris Johnson blasts football fat cats for ‘bonkers’ decision to let Russia bid against Britain for Euros

BORIS Johnson today blasted "bonkers" football fat cats for letting Russia bid against the British Isles for the Euros.

But he appeared to score an own goal after touting Ukraine as the 2028 hosts despite the UK and Ireland mounting their own joint challenge.

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Shameless Russia last night threw their hat into the ring after cowardly UEFA and FIFA bosses refused to ban Putin's regime.

The PM this morning tore strips off the sporting chiefs and demanded Moscow's ridiculous bid be chucked out.

He told LBC: "It's beyond satire that any football organisation, no matter how bonkers and driven by lucre they may be, would want to give Russia in the present circumstances the right to host a tournament. 

"It seems beyond comprehension so I can't believe it's really a runner."

He added: "The best thing possible is for the entire Russian forces to retire forthwith from Ukraine and hand the tournament to them."

At a Nato press conference Mr Johnson also told the Sun Ukraine should be given a bye to automatically qualify.

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Britain's bid to host the 2028 tournament was unopposed until Russia shockingly launched a challenge for it - and 2032 - yesterday.

It prompted Turkey to also mount a dark horse bid in the hope of splitting the field.

Britain will now have to eat into its £10million football war chest to contest the bid, siphoning money from other grassroots projects.

All Russian football teams were suspended by FIFA and UEFA after Putin waged a murderous war on Ukraine last month.

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But unlike in other sports, Russia's national team were not kicked out.

A UEFA statement said: “The Bureau of the FIFA Council and the UEFA executive committee decided on February 28 to suspend all Russian teams, whether national representative teams or club teams, from participation until further notice.

“However, no suspension of the Russian Football Union was imposed."

An FA statement read: “We believe Euro 2028 would be one of the greatest sporting events ever held in the UK and Ireland.

“This unprecedented partnership of five associations offers something special to European football, including the potential for an expanded tournament and we are passionate about maximising the sustainability and legacy benefits for communities across the UK and Ireland.

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“Football must do everything possible to show how our sport can be a force for good — now, more than ever.

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“We are resolute in our belief in the power of football to help bring people together."