FROM THE
EDITOR
UEFARussia hit with
further sanctions
Russia’s bid to host the European Championship
in 2028 or 2032 has been dismissed by UEFA,
while the country’s women’s team will not take
part in this summer’s Euros in England either.
In March, the Russian federation declared
an interest in hosting the men’s tournaments,
despite having already been kicked out of
2022 World Cup qualifying and having
their club sides eliminated from European
competitions. Yet UEFA ended any distant
hopes of a Russian-hosted tournament
by ruling their bid ineligible.
That ruling means that the joint-bid from
England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales
and Republic of Ireland remains the favourite
to host in 2028, with Turkey declaring an
interest in hosting both the 2028 or 2032
tournaments, while Italy are also in
contention for the latter.
Meanwhile, UEFA have also extended
their ban on Russian teams to its 2022-
club tournaments, the next Nations League,
the 2021-23 European Under-21 Championship
and qualification for the 2023 Women’s World
Cup, while Portugal will take Russia’s place
at this summer’s Women’s European
Championship after losing to them
in the qualifying play-offs.
Incidentally, the ban on Russian teams
from next season’s Champions League is a
boost to the Scottish Premiership, with the
winners of this season’s title set to qualify
automatically for the group stage.Our countdown to the 2022 World Cup continues in this issue as we
preview the remaining European, Asian and inter-confederational
play-offs to determine the final three qualifiers for Qatar.
Three players already with their eyes on the World Cup
are this issue’s cover stars – Netherlands hot-shot Cody Gakpo,
PortugalforwardDiogoJotaandUnitedStateswonderkidBrenden
Aaronson – and we shine the spotlight on the talented talismanic
trio who are all having terrific seasons for their clubs.
TheUkraineconflictcontinuestocastitsshadow,butcountries
around the world persist in showing their support for the war-torn
nation. James Nalton provides an exclusive EyeWitness report into
howAmerica’sEastCoastisprovinganunlikelydestinationforits
show of solidarity and awareness-raising efforts through football,
whileJaredTinslaypreviewswhatshould
prove to be an emotional international
comeback for Ukraine as they travel
to take on Scotland in the European
World Cup play-offs.
European champions Italy may not
haveaWorldCuptolookforwardto,but
they face South American champions
ArgentinaintheFinalissima,giving
theAzzurria chance to atone for their
qualifying disappointment. Jim Holden
discusses the merits of the newly-revived
contest,formerlyknownastheArtemio
Franchi Cup.
Followinginthisissue’sthemeofgiving
exposure to young talents such as Gakpo
and Aaronson, this month’s instalment of
Talent Scout highlights the standout stars
from this season’s UEFA Youth League, with Nick Bidwell giving
us an insight into the Champions League’s next generation.
One player most definitely part of the Champions League’s
current golden generation is Karim Benzema who, at 34, is
enjoying the best form of his already wonderful career. Colin
Millaroffershisincisiveanalysisonthepurplepatchforthe
likely frontrunner for this year’s Ballon d’Or.
Whether Benzema will be able to add another Champions
League winners’ medal to his vast collection this season remains
to be seen. Our print deadline for this edition didn’t allow us to
preview this season’s finale (with the semi-finals concluding
after our press date), but be sure to catch next
month’s issue which will review
UEFA’s showpiece occasion,
along with all of Europe’s
other elite competitions
and leagues, in our annual
season review special.Stephen Fishlock, Group Editor
We shine
the spotlight
on talented
talismanic trio
Cody Gakpo,
Diogo Jota
and Brenden
Aaronson, who
are all having
terrific seasons
for their clubsTHEWORLD THIS MONTH
Kicked out...Russian
teams face further
UEFA sanctions