Germany is gearing up to host the highly anticipated 2024 UEFA European Football Championship, but excitement is mixed with disappointment for some fans. While UEFA has recently allowed standing areas in European club competitions after a two-decade ban, supporters attending EURO 2024 will still be required to remain seated throughout the matches. This decision comes despite ongoing trials for safe standing in football stadiums, leaving many fans eager for a more dynamic viewing experience in designated Euro Standing sections, wanting to know why they will remain seated during the tournament.
Fans at a football match, all seated, with a sign indicating no standing during EURO 2024
UEFA’s Pilot Program and the Return of Standing
The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), the governing body of European football, made a significant move earlier this year by provisionally reintroducing standing areas in European club matches. This decision marked a reversal of a ban that had been in place since 1998. Motivated by evolving stadium technology and a desire to enhance fan atmosphere, UEFA initiated a safe standing pilot program for the current season in England, Germany, and France. This trial is closely monitoring the safety and fan experience in stadiums that have reintroduced euro standing areas for domestic club competitions. The aim is to assess the feasibility of safe standing and potentially pave the way for a wider reintroduction in the future.
EURO 2024 Sticking to Seated Policy
Despite this progressive step towards re-embracing euro standing in club football, EURO 2024 will maintain a seated-only policy. This means that even though domestic leagues in host nation Germany and other participating countries are experimenting with safe standing, international matches during the European Championship will not offer this option. According to reports from ‘kicker’, the German Football Association (DFB) explained that the timeline of the UEFA safe standing pilot project is the primary reason for this decision. The results of the pilot program are not expected until the Summer of 2023, just a year before EURO 2024 kicks off. The DFB stated that this timeframe is simply too short to integrate the pilot findings and adjust the already established ticketing concept for EURO 2024 to accommodate euro standing sections.
Fan Disappointment at Missed Opportunity
The decision to exclude euro standing at EURO 2024 has been met with disappointment from fan groups. Ronan Evain from Football Supporters Europe expressed this sentiment, lamenting that “This is a huge opportunity which we will miss.” For many fans, particularly those who prefer a more active and vocal matchday experience, standing areas are an integral part of football culture. The prospect of a major tournament like EURO 2024 being held without designated euro standing zones is seen as a missed chance to enhance the atmosphere and cater to the preferences of a significant portion of the fanbase. While the future of euro standing in club competitions looks promising based on the ongoing pilot program, fans will have to wait longer to potentially experience standing at major international tournaments like the UEFA European Championship.
Stay tuned to Coliseum for further updates on venue and ticketing news as EURO 2024 approaches. Join the Global Sports Venue Alliance to connect with venue professionals worldwide and access valuable industry insights.
