In line with the expectations, UEFA has finally announced that Euro 2020 games will a multi-nation event wherein thirteen cites would host the event matches. Moreover, since every country will only allow providing one venue, there would at least be 13 countries who will participate in the mega European soccer event. The debate has long been on the cart that such an event should expand its reach beyond few dominated countries, perhaps UEFA president has recently said about his wish to make such an improvement in its structure, and finally his dreams seem to be a reality now. The details of the 2020 event are announced by the UEFA secretary general, Gianni Infantino, who also added that semifinals and finals would be held at the same venue and probably for the first time host will not qualify automatically. The shortlisted venues will be chosen next year in September. The proposed changes are also in favor of small countries who can’t afford to host the entire event by their own, but with this change; they can taste the slice by hosting at least one match of the biggest European soccer event.
As mentioned, host will not qualify automatically, but if it qualifies, it will play at least two of its three group matches at home. There are several contenders for finals, like Wembley, Rome, Berlin, Madrid and Istanbul, and according to Infantino, he personally wants Istanbul to host the finals but only if Turkey misses its 2020 Olympic bid. UEFA president Michel Platini also is in support to choose Istanbul for the finals. Another interesting prerequisite for these thirteen cities is to have required capacity stadiums. As notified by UEFA, quarterfinal stadiums need to have a minimum 60000 capacity stadiums while ten of the remaining need to facilitate at least 50000 spectators and remaining two stadiums can be smaller ones that can hold at least 30000 viewers. There is also a geographical limit of two hour flight between these cities to simplify fans’ journey.
Citing the playing format, Infantino said, “The matches will be split into 13 packages – 12 cities who will have three group stage matches and one knock-out round match, and one city will host the two semi-finals and final. There will be only one venue per country and it means the semi-finals and the final will be played in the same venue.”
So, it looks encouraging when governing body promises momentous changes in the event, let’s see how other big European nations react to this.