UEFA is reportedly set to drop expansion plans for Euro 2028 to 32 teams. The tournament, hosted by England and Ireland, sticks to the current 24-team format. Euro 2024, with Germany as the host, also uses the current format.
Initially, the organizers prepared to expand the field of the team involved in the competition. It would not be the first time in recent memory that UEFA has done this. Ahead of Euro 2016, UEFA expanded the 16-team competition, which was the format for 20 years, to 24 nations. The expansion allowed teams like Iceland, Wales and Northern Ireland to have magical races of their own.
UEFA workers apparently opposed the plan to expand the field. It all stems from the quality of the game on the field. Broadcasters from across Europe and the world expressed their concerns to UEFA. With the rumored expansion to 32 teams, that means 58% of UEFA’s 55 teams can compete. With lesser teams involved, the quality of the tournament generally decreases.
UEFA opts not to extend Euro 2028
The governing body has also considered different adjustments to its euros. This reportedly includes getting rid of the traditional group stage qualifying phase. Instead, the competition is a straight knockout style tournament. UEFA even considered the idea of expanding the rather unpopular Nations League schedule. Apparently, the last suggestion didn’t exactly excite the announcers either.
Photo: Imago
Professional Footballers Association chief executive Maheta Molango made his opinion on the expansion quite clear earlier this year. “This is only hurting the quality of the product,” Molango said. “Children don’t see the best version of their idols. Thats the reality. Yes, there may be a financial benefit in the short term, but in the long term we are damaging the product.”
There are also concerns about player burnout from players and clubs across the area. More games means more playing time on the pitch and less rest.
Although these reports emerged on Thursday, a final official announcement on any possible UEFA Euro 2028 expansion will be made in November.
PHOTO: Imago / ULMER Pressebildagentur
