Euro 2012 Final: Is UEFA Ruining the European Championships?

How will Euro 2012 be remembered after tomorrow's showpiece finale?

Despite all the negative headlines that have surrounded this summer's tournament, the overwhelming feeling is that, on the field at least, it has been a success.

Why, then, are we to see changes to a tournament that is widely believed to be the hardest and most competitive on the international calendar?

 

Revamp

First came the news that this year will be the last time that 16 teams compete in the tournament; as of France 2016, it will be upped to 24.

The decision will have a detrimental effect on the quality of display. Heavyweight battles can be shown from day one as the tournament currently stands, but allowing weaker teams in will destroy one of the things that makes the Euros so special.

Now we are hearing Michel Platini suggest a number of countries, not just one, could be hosts in 2020.

The Uefa president is quoted as saying: 

The Euros in 2020 could be held all over Europe. It could be either one country and 12 stadiums, or one stadium in 12 or 13 cities....This matter will be discussed very seriously....We will have a great debate about 2020 and discuss the pros and cons. It's an idea I feel really passionate about, it will be a lot easier from a financial perspective. We are not going to wait until we know whether Turkey are going to get the Olympics. It creates a problem for us. We do have other candidates. Everyone has the possibility to host it. It is easier to go from London to Paris or Berlin than Cardiff to Gdansk. It would be four games per venue. It is a great debate....It is the political decision that needs to be made. We wouldn't have to build stadiums or airports. That could be important in an economic crisis.

 

Impact

Introducing such measures could lead to an embarrassing egg-on-the-face situation for Europe's football governing body.

In Poland and Ukraine, the tournament has been somewhat spread out, leading to some logistical problems.

Supporters have had troubles getting around, leading to a situation where some stadiums have been far from full.

Spreading it out further hardly seems a logical solution.

I ask what is wrong with the current set up? 

If nothing, then why change it.

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1242441-are-uefa-ruining-the-european-championships

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