Sustainability Concerns Arise After Chaotic Euros and Copa América Tournaments

Both the Euros and Copa América concluded with the expected champions, but the tournaments were marred by numerous issues, raising concerns about sustainability within global football. Uefa‘s Euro 2020 faced security challenges, but the chaos at the Hard Rock Stadium during the Copa América final was on another level.

An investigation is expected to pinpoint the causes of the crowd trouble that allowed thousands of fans without tickets to enter the stadium, showcasing the urgent need for improvements before the World Cup returns to the US in 2026. The disorganization throughout the tournament highlighted the need for better management and infrastructure.

Transport breakdowns, security lapses, and incidents of violence both on and off the pitch marred the Euros and Copa América. The inability to handle large crowds is an ongoing issue at recent Uefa tournaments, and fatal incidents like the crush outside an Africa Cup of Nations match in 2009 underscore the importance of addressing these challenges.

Poor playing surfaces were another common problem at both tournaments. Uefa’s insistence on relaying pitches multiple times ahead of the Euros led to subpar conditions in German stadiums. On the other hand, Copa América faced issues with makeshift pitches in NFL stadiums, affecting the quality of play and player safety.

Amidst the logistical turmoil, fatigue among players and teams was evident, leading to a lack of high-quality football throughout the tournaments. The impact of the condensed fixture list, exacerbated by the pandemic-related disruptions, has taken a toll on players and coaches, raising questions about the sustainability of the current schedule.

Fifa‘s plans for future events, including the Club World Cup in the US, further complicate an already packed calendar. The need for a reassessment of priorities in global football governance is evident, as the recent tournaments have highlighted the disconnect between the authorities and the actual needs of the game.