While big leagues, like UEFA, are always blamed to be few nations centric, EURO 2016 has made an initiative where even small nations can try their luck to qualify in biggest European event. The revolutionary new format was unveiled by the European governing body just recently and it showed an ample space for everyone in there. According to newly refined setup of this prestigious event, there will be a two legged play chance for eight remaining teams to reach into the finals that means, except the host, every other team will have to fight for its secured place in the UEFA while many unheard nations, who have long been in the waiting line to play in it, can see their dreams come true. Moreover, play format is going to be more visible for fans, i.e., they can participant in live matches more aggressively than ever coz timeline would be from Thursday to Tuesday, including Saturday and Sunday. Though, these recommendations are on paper right now and targeted towards 2016 event, yet many are taking them as a promising step to extend the reach of this highly admired European league.
When world is watching to European match fixing scandals, more participation will enhance fixing outrages as well and it would again be a challenging task for European watchdogs to ensure they can control the maximum number of games from biased results. In any case, soccer is going to be winner, coz new teams would improve the fighting spirit of other teams as well while new format would also make it compulsory for every team to fight for its space in the event.
General secretary Gianni Infantino explained how new format is going to be a game changer for new teams, he said, “The fact we spread the qualifiers over several days as opposed to all teams playing on the same day will ensure a better visibility for the competition. Each match day will have eight to 10 as opposed to 20 to 30 matches on the same day.”
Fact wise, 2016 UEFA cup is going to be the biggest in the history where as many as 53 nations will fight for the crown. Though, qualifying draw is yet to be announced on 23 February, but curiosity is already on the peak among Europeans, perhaps world fans, and why not, this one would possibly beat any other league in the world for its popularity, prizes, and acceptability among masses.