The chances of the UK and Ireland hosting Euro 2028 have received a significant boost following an announcement from UEFA. It has been confirmed that Turkey and Italy, who were initially competing against each other to host Euro 2032, have now decided to merge their bids into one joint bid.

However, it's important to note that Turkey has not withdrawn its bid for Euro 2028, making them a continuing rival to the five-nation bid from England, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.

In a statement, UEFA stated that it has received a formal request from the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) and the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) to combine their individual bids for Euro 2032 into a single joint bid. UEFA will be working closely with FIGC and TFF to ensure that all necessary documentation for their joint bid complies with the required bidding standards.

A decision on whether the joint bid is compliant is expected to be made by UEFA well before October 10. On this date, the UEFA executive committee will convene to determine the hosts for both Euro 2028 and Euro 2032.

The merger of the bids from Turkey and Italy has the potential to create a formidable competition for hosting rights, and it remains to be seen how it will affect the UK and Ireland's prospects for hosting Euro 2028. Football fans and enthusiasts alike will be eagerly awaiting UEFA's final decision on the matter.