Football fans around the world are gearing up for an exciting summer of international football at EURO 2020. This year, however, there’s a confusing naming convention to get our heads around – why is EURO 2020 not called EURO 2021?
Surely the coronavirus pandemic, which caused a one-year delay, should mean it’s the UEFA European Football Championship 2021? To get to the bottom of this conundrum, this article delves into the original plans for EURO 2020, the reason for the delay, and what this might mean for the event itself. With an opportunity to win out at stake, the stakes are high for the teams competing – after all, only 24 out of a possible 55 teams can make it to the competition’s final stages in 202
That’s why an estimated 5 billion people are expected to watch the EURO 2020 matches this summer, making it one of the most highly anticipated events of the year.
Why Is Euro 2020 Not Called Euro 2021?
The UEFA European Football Championship, also known as Euro 2020, was originally scheduled to take place from June 12 to July 12, 2020. However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, UEFA was forced to postpone the tournament until 11 June 202As a result, it has been widely referred to as ‘Euro 2021’. But why has the tournament, which was originally scheduled to happen this year, not been renamed Euro 2021?
Postponement due to global pandemic
In March 2020, as the world was grappling with the coronavirus pandemic, UEFA decided to postpone the Euro 2020 tournament until the summer of 202 Despite the delay, the tournament will nevertheless keep the same name, Euro 2020.The decision to stick the same name to the tournament was taken for two main reasons. Firstly, this would help minimize the extent of disruption caused by the postponement. Secondly, it would also reflect the undiminished excitement and anticipation of the tournament.
Deliver Success Already Put In Place
The initial agreement UEFA made with its stakeholders was for a Euro 2020 tournament. This date was chosen as it would mark the 60th anniversary of the first tournament in 1960. Keeping the same name for the tournament would help deliver the success that has already been planned for by UEFA and its partners.Preserve UEFA’s Vision
By keeping the original name, UEFA will be able to remain faithful to its original vision. Euro 2020 holds tremendous value to UEFA because it celebrated the 60th anniversary of the tournament and it is part of the UEFA’s Euro 2020 legacy.Keeping the name Euro 2020 will ensure that UEFA is able to show its commitment to its original concept and promote Euro 2020’s status as a landmark event.