Euro expansion to 24 teams!?!??

[Jaboldinho]

Definitely a good thing. The more teams, the more quality you need to win it.
































Also maybe now we can get in.

 

[kramer11]

I think it's a good idea. The World Cup has far more teams, and games, and every time the Euros are on and we get to the final I can't help thinking how short its been. Doesn't seem right to have the quarters straight after a group stage.
The reason we had so few teams was really when there were less serious football nations in Europe. It's all changed now since the breakup of the USSR and Yugoslavia, Czechoslovakia going too. So, we really should have more than just the current 16 imo.
Would it happen in time for Poland/Ukraine though?

 

[Johnny_Big]

this isn't about nations like Malta...they hardly ever get away from last spot in qualifying. It's about the nations that miss out because of a 1 point difference, or maybe even a goal difference. I think that all the countries Platini lists in that interview are capable of competing in the EURO. Here's the list:

England, Denmark, Scotland, Ireland, Belgium, Serbia, Ukraine and Bulgaria

Off the top of my head...I know that England and Bulgaria missed out by a point each... Scotland had Italy and France in their group so they were pretty much screwed from the beginning.

If they couldn't qualify, it's their fault. Your point?

Getting it to 24 teams will also bring the same teams, FOREVER. It's not like San Marino or Andorra will pull amazing stuff in the next 50 years. Then the qualifying part is useless, right?

Trying to see my point?

 

[Bonzi]

If they couldn't qualify, it's their fault. Your point?

Getting it to 24 teams will also bring the same teams, FOREVER. It's not like San Marino or Andorra will pull amazing stuff in the next 50 years. Then the qualifying part is useless, right?

Trying to see my point?

My thoughts exactly

 

[Sevillista]

Besides, we don't want teams like England mucking up the tournament

 

[Johnny_Big]

^

Still, I wouldn't be surprised if UEFA tried once doing it for 24 teams. But surely it would be a miss, and 4 years later it would come to the old fashion 16 teams.

It just doesn't make sense.

 

[Seán D]

Just out of curiosity, how would the format go???
4x6? Top 2 qualify? or 6x4 with top 2 qualify and 2 best 3rd place ala USA '94?

 

[Filipower]

^^ Yes, the only problem would be the format, actually





Come on you guys are arguing that it's not worth it because then the same teams would always qualify? Have you been watching football for the past 50 years? The same teams always qualify already, man.
And the argument that it would bring down quality is just stupid.

The last World Cup alone had 13 European teams, so when it's just Europe fighting for the trophy, why the hell should it be only three more? Nah, I say good move by UEFA, and that's something I don't get to say.....ever.

 

[Seán D]

It would also encourage the smaller teams to improve so they can reach a major final. It'll be more accessible. The likes of Israel can get there (even though they ain't from Europe!) and you would have some of the best fans in Europe (Scottish, Irish, Welsh and English (apart from that stupid band)) making it a more colourful place.

Austria and Switzerland were in it this year as hosts, would they have qualified out of a group? Debatable. Quality won't be an issue.

 

[Hepoas]

24 teams would be good I think. More football, and if you think about it. We're 16 now, and if we add Serbia, Norway, Denmark, England, Ukraine, Scotland, Israel and Bosnia, we would have some other great teams in this competition too.

In 2016.. well, just one euro left then. And I hope UEFA give Norway/Sweden the Euro in 2016.

 

[Internazionale]

certainly good things for some teams who can't qualify this time around.

I like it.

 

[rpvankasteren]

Yeah, Norway vs Greece, what a great match to look forward to!

 

[Tosiek]

Then other teams should let Poland to win the WC in RSA because we've never won it. If it works like this I have anything against but if not then no.

 

[Filipower]

Yeah, Norway vs Greece, what a great match to look forward to!

Well, Greece were champions. And I don't see any law saying only teams with that play fantastic football are allowed. Because then Germany wouldn't even be there.

 

[pede54]

Besides, we don't want teams like England mucking up the tournament

Nah, you'll have to do better than that mate. Much too obvious.

 

[Dipanjan]

Good Idea!

A 64 or 48 Team WC will be good, but it will make it boring ala Ruby and Cricket World Cups....

 

[Filipower]

Oh come oooon nobody's talking about the world cup here

 

[bjmenge]

More teams means more football to watch, which is a good thing, but no team that finishes third in their group should ever move on to the knockout stages.

 

[Dipanjan]

Oh come oooon nobody's talking about the world cup here

It was just a suggestion...Just thought right to talk abt the WC as well.....

 

[Filipower]

I actually thought you were being sarcastic lol