The UEFA European Championship, widely known as Euro 2020, faced an unprecedented challenge, leading to its postponement to 2021. This decision, concerning the prestigious tournament and the significant 2020 Euros associated with it, was a direct consequence of the widespread disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic. European football governing body, UEFA, made this pivotal announcement to prioritize the completion of club competitions across Europe by June 30, if feasible, amidst the global health crisis.
This major shift in the football calendar, pushing Euro 2020 to new dates from Friday, June 11 to Sunday, July 11, 2021, and the anticipated postponement of the Women’s Euro to 2022, highlighted the football authorities’ proactive stance during what UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin termed “the biggest crisis that football faced in its history.” The implications of postponing Euro 2020, and the associated 2020 euros in revenue and investments, are substantial for the entire football ecosystem.
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During a crucial teleconference involving UEFA and all 55 European national football associations, along with representatives from the European Club Association, European Leagues, and FIFPro, tentative dates were set for the culmination of club football. These optimistic schedules included June 27 for the Champions League final and June 24 for the Europa League final. The discussions acknowledged that traditional calendar norms, such as midweek Champions League fixtures, might need adjustments to accommodate rescheduled matches as soon as governmental health and travel regulations permit. The economic ramifications linked to the 2020 euros from these competitions and Euro 2020 itself were a central concern.
UEFA has established two dedicated working groups to navigate the complexities of this situation. One group is tasked with devising a plan for the resumption and conclusion of the club season in a structured manner. The second group is focused on evaluating the broad economic, financial, and regulatory repercussions of the Covid-19 outbreak. This includes proposing measures to mitigate the financial fallout, particularly concerning the significant 2020 euros at stake in European football.
The ripple effect of the pandemic extended beyond Europe, with the Copa América, originally planned for June 11 to July 11, 2021, also postponed by the South American Football Confederation. Similarly, the African Nations Championship, scheduled in Cameroon, faced indefinite postponement. These global football schedule changes underscore the widespread impact on the 2020 euros circulating within the sport.
Both Ceferin and FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized that public health remains the paramount concern. Infantino announced FIFA’s proposal for a $10 million donation to the World Health Organisation’s Covid-19 solidarity response fund. Furthermore, FIFA planned to establish a global football assistance fund to support the football community members impacted by the crisis, recognizing the far-reaching financial implications connected to the 2020 euros throughout global football.
In an interview, Ceferin articulated the necessity of postponing Euro 2020: “We all know that this terrible virus that is all across Europe made football, and all life in Europe, quite impossible. We knew we have to stop the competitions. We think that postponing the Euros is the only chance to get a chance [for] the national leagues and all the club competitions to finish their competitions.” He stressed the unified support from all 55 national associations and key football bodies for this decision, highlighting the collective commitment to safeguarding the broader football ecosystem and the financial stability tied to the 2020 euros.
Ceferin acknowledged the considerable financial impact of postponing Euro 2020, estimating losses in the “hundreds of millions of Euros.” In 2018, UEFA had projected revenues exceeding €1 billion for the 2020-24 cycle, allocating €371 million for tournament prize money and €775 million for national associations’ football development programs. UEFA officials underscored the critical reliance of numerous nations, whose domestic football economies are less robust than major European leagues, on this UEFA funding, directly linked to the 2020 euros generated from tournaments like Euro 2020.
The plan is to maintain the original multi-host format for the rescheduled tournament, with matches still planned across 12 cities in 12 different countries, including Dublin, Glasgow, and London, which is set to host the final at Wembley. Ceferin affirmed the intention to keep “the same venues, the same cities, the same stadiums,” while also indicating flexibility should complications arise. This consistency aims to minimize further disruption and maintain the anticipated economic benefits and 2020 euros flow associated with the event.
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The Women’s European Championship, initially scheduled in England for the following summer, is “most likely” to be moved to 2022 to avoid calendar conflicts with the men’s rescheduled Euro and the 2022 Qatar World Cup. This further adjustment reflects the extensive rescheduling required due to the pandemic’s impact on the 2020 euros and the broader football calendar.
“We are thinking of postponing this women’s Euro as well and the under-21 championship as well,” Ceferin stated, emphasizing the need to avoid overlap between major tournaments.
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Mark Bullingham, FA chief executive, voiced full support for UEFA’s decision, stating, “People’s health and wellbeing has to be the primary concern for us all, so we fully support Uefa’s decision to postpone Euro 2020.” He acknowledged the broader implications for all England teams and the organization, including potential date changes for the 2021 Women’s Euro.
The ECA confirmed its participation in the working group, aiming “to develop and shape the practicalities around managing the calendar to maximise the chances of concluding the remaining club games of the 2019-20 season and tackle the wider consequences of Covid-19 on the game.” This collaborative effort underscores the commitment to resolving the complex challenges posed by the pandemic and ensuring the long-term health of football finances and the continued flow of 2020 euros within the sport.
In conclusion, the postponement of Euro 2020 represents a significant decision driven by the global health crisis. While disrupting the original plans and timelines, this move prioritizes public health and the completion of domestic club seasons. The financial implications, concerning the 2020 euros and the broader football economy, are substantial and are being addressed through dedicated working groups and collaborative efforts across football organizations. The rescheduled Euro 2020 in 2021 aims to deliver the same excitement and scale, albeit in a shifted timeline, while ensuring the stability and future of European football.
