Notable changes at Euro 2024

Euro 2024 is anticipated to bring many exciting and interesting aspects, not only due to highly anticipated matchups but also because of the debut of several changes in this tournament.

Football enthusiasts are counting down the days in anticipation of Euro 2024. The largest national team competition on the continent will kick off with the host team Germany facing Scotland, followed by other group stage matches, promising a lively summer for fans.

Another intriguing factor that could increase the excitement of fans for Euro 2024 is the introduction of these changes for the first time in the tournament. Below are some notable changes:

The number of players:

UEFA announced in May that each country is allowed to select a squad consisting of 26 players for Euro 2024. Previously, UEFA had confirmed a return to the old format with 22 players, but after discussions with coaches, notably Gareth Southgate of England, this decision was revised.

A statement from UEFA confirmed this decision: “The UEFA Executive Committee today decided to increase the maximum number of players for the teams participating in Euro 2024 from the initial quota of 23 to 26 players.

This increase is not mandatory for national associations participating. According to the regulations, teams must provide UEFA with a list containing a minimum of 23 players and a maximum of 26 players by the deadline of June 7.”

VAR:

VAR technology will operate throughout the entire tournament. VAR will be used in all matches, along with two VAR assistants and three video operators.

All operations will be based at the football technology center in Leipzig. Similar to the Premier League, they will review clear and obvious errors related to goals, penalty incidents, red cards, and cases of mistaken identity.

Automatic Offside:

Following its success at the World Cup in Qatar, UEFA has confirmed that automatic offside decisions will be implemented at Euro 2024. Each ball used in the tournament will be equipped with connected ball technology to send position data to referees. Data provided by the ball will also be used to determine point of contact and handball situations.

Combined with player position data through AI, this technology is expected to expedite offside decisions. Ten specialized cameras installed at each stadium will monitor player movements to accurately determine if a player is offside.

Goal-line Technology:

A system in use since 2016, goal-line technology will continue to be applied at Euro 2024. Each goalpost will be equipped with 7 cameras to accurately assess whether the ball has crossed the goal line.

Referees will be equipped with a wristwatch that vibrates to signal a goal within one second after the ball crosses the goal line.