The UEFA Euro Cup 2020, one of the most anticipated football tournaments in the world, has been officially postponed to 2021. This decision was reached after a crucial agreement between UEFA and key governing bodies on Tuesday, prompted by the widespread global health crisis.
Originally scheduled to be held across Europe from June 12 to July 12, 2020, to celebrate UEFA’s 60th anniversary, the 24-team tournament will now take place from June 11 to July 11, 2021.
This significant decision follows an emergency video conference convened by UEFA with all 55 affiliated national federations, along with representatives from clubs and leagues. During this meeting, UEFA also confirmed the suspension of all UEFA competitions and matches, including friendlies, for both club and national teams, men and women, until further notice. This includes the crucial playoff matches that were scheduled to determine the final lineup for the Euro Cup 2020.
The postponement of Euro Cup 2020 provides a window for European domestic leagues, which have been suspended due to the ongoing health crisis, to complete their schedules. UEFA has established a working group, comprising league and club representatives, to explore calendar solutions that will facilitate the completion of the current season and address any subsequent consequences arising from Tuesday’s decisions.
UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin addressed the situation, acknowledging the gravity of the crisis impacting the sport. “We are at the helm of a sport that vast numbers of people live and breathe that has been laid low by this invisible and fast-moving opponent,” Ceferin stated. He emphasized the need for unity, responsibility, solidarity, and altruism within the football community during these challenging times.
In an interview with The Associated Press, Ceferin described the situation as “the biggest crisis that football faced in history.” He highlighted the widespread impact of the global health crisis across Europe, rendering normal life, including football, “quite impossible.” The decision to halt competitions was deemed necessary in light of these unprecedented circumstances.
Originally, sixteen playoff matches were slated for March 26 and 31 to finalize the nations participating in the tournament. These matches are now tentatively rescheduled for the international window at the beginning of June, pending a reassessment of the prevailing situation.
The Euro Cup 2020 is a significant revenue generator for UEFA, estimated at around €2 billion from sponsors and broadcasters. These stakeholders, like many businesses across Europe, will also experience the broader economic repercussions of the global health crisis, which has brought much of European life to a standstill.
Ceferin acknowledged the anticipated economic impact, stating, “The economic situation in Europe and in the world will harm us as well.” He recognized that the effects extend beyond the direct losses from postponing the Euro Cup, affecting the entire economy. Despite the challenges, Ceferin expressed optimism, emphasizing unity and determination to overcome the crisis and emerge stronger.
The global sporting calendar has been heavily disrupted, with numerous high-profile events cancelled or suspended. The fate of the Tokyo Olympics, scheduled for this year, remains uncertain. Across Europe, the top five domestic soccer leagues – England, Spain, Italy, France, and Germany – are all suspended, alongside the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, and World Cup qualifiers.
UEFA has announced its intention to conclude all domestic and European club competitions by June 30, 2020, at the latest, if conditions allow.
Sources within ESPN reported that Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid conveyed their “satisfaction and relief” regarding the Euro Cup 2020 postponement, expressing appreciation for UEFA’s understanding towards the clubs. Luis Rubiales, president of the Spanish FA, echoed UEFA’s hope of completing domestic league seasons by late June.
The English and French football associations, along with European Club Association chairman and Juventus president Andrea Agnelli, also promptly voiced their support for the decision.
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