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UEFA Increases Squad Size For Euro 2024
UEFA has confirmed that the squad size for this summer’s European Championship in Germany will be expanded to 26 players per team. This decision comes after the national competitions committee voted in favor of the change, following the precedent set at Euro 2020 due to the impact of Covid-19.
Initially, UEFA had planned to change back to 23-player squads for Euro 2024, but the decision to maintain the expanded squad size has been met with both support and criticism from various stakeholders in the football community.
“The UEFA Executive Committee has today decided to increase the maximum squad size of the teams participating in the upcoming UEFA EURO 2024 from the original quota of 23 to 26 players,” a UEFA statement said. “The increase does not represent an obligation for the participating national associations.”
The expanded squad size was also permitted at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, recognizing the need for additional player resources amid the domestic season. This decision aligns with the evolving nature of football and the recognition of the physical and mental toll placed on players throughout the season.
While participating teams are not obligated to name an extended squad, they must submit a list of at least 23 players to UEFA by 7 June. This flexibility allows teams to tailor their squads to their specific needs, taking into account factors such as player fitness, form, and tactical considerations.
The news will be welcomed by several international managers who were critical of the idea of reducing squad sizes for the tournament, with Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman calling it ‘absurd’,” highlighting the differing opinions within the football community.
England manager Gareth Southgate, who had previously favored 23-man squads, acknowledged the impact of injuries across the Premier League this season, leading to a shift in his UEFA has confirmed that the squad size for this summer’s European Championship in Germany will be expanded to 26 players per team. This decision comes after the national competitions committee voted in favor of the change, following the precedent set at Euro 2020 due to the impact of Covid-19.
Initially, UEFA had planned to change back to 23-player squads for Euro 2024, but the decision to maintain the expanded squad size has been met with both support and criticism from various stakeholders in the football community.
“The UEFA Executive Committee has today decided to increase the maximum squad size of the teams participating in the upcoming UEFA EURO 2024 from the original quota of 23 to 26 players,” a UEFA statement said. “The increase does not represent an obligation for the participating national associations.”
The expanded squad size was also permitted at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, recognizing the need for additional player resources amid the domestic season. This decision aligns with the evolving nature of football and the recognition of the physical and mental toll placed on players throughout the season.
While participating teams are not obligated to name an extended squad, they must submit a list of at least 23 players to UEFA by 7 June. This flexibility allows teams to tailor their squads to their specific needs, taking into account factors such as player fitness, form, and tactical considerations.
The news will be welcomed by several international managers who were critical of the idea of reducing squad sizes for the tournament, with Netherlands boss European Championship Koeman calling it ‘absurd’,” highlighting the differing opinions within the football community.
England manager Gareth Southgate, who had previously favored 23-man squads, acknowledged the impact of injuries across the Premier League this season, leading to a shift in his perspective. He will name his squad on 21 May, two days after the end of the Premier League season.
perspective. He will name his squad on 21 May, two days after the end of the Premier League season.
