Expanded format exposes Europe's flabby middle


The sign announcing the UEFA Euro 2106 tournament is seen at the Allianz Riviera stadium, one of the 10 venues of the upcoming Euro 2016 soccer championship in Nice, France, March 29, 2016. REUTERS/Eric Gaillard/Files

NICE, France (Reuters) - When UEFA decided eight years ago to expand the European Championship from 16 to 24 teams, its then president Michel Platini promised the standard of the tournament would not drop.

"I'm sure that it will not change the technical level," the Frenchman said. "In addition to the 16 qualifiers, there are eight other teams just as good."

Limited time offer:
Just RM5 per month.

Monthly Plan

RM13.90/month
RM5/month

Billed as RM5/month for the 1st 6 months then RM13.90 thereafters.

Annual Plan

RM12.33/month

Billed as RM148.00/year

1 month

Free Trial

For new subscribers only


Cancel anytime. No ads. Auto-renewal. Unlimited access to the web and app. Personalised features. Members rewards.
Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
   

Next In Football

Soccer-Own goal helps Juventus come from two goals down to draw at lowly Cagliari
Soccer-Frankfurt boost European football hopes after 3-1 win against Augsburg
Soccer-Man United hire Wilcox as technical director from Southampton
Soccer-Vitesse's 35-year Eredivisie streak ends after 18-point deduction
Soccer-Chelsea's Pochettino urges discipline before FA Cup semi-final with Man City
Soccer-Haaland a doubt for FA Cup semi due to muscle injury, Guardiola says
Soccer-Arteta wants Arsenal to be ready for any situation in title race
Soccer-Liverpool need to show they want it more than Fulham, says Klopp
Soccer-Blow for Everton as defender Patterson out for the season
Soccer-Man Utd facing huge challenge in FA Cup semi-final, says Ten Hag

Others Also Read