The Euros 2024- Back To Normality

The Postponement of Euro 2020: A Turning Point in Football History

The year 2020 was supposed to be a grand celebration for football enthusiasts as UEFA Euro 2020 marked its 60th anniversary with a unique format spanning 12 cities across Europe. However, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic turned the world upside down, leading to unprecedented disruptions in every sphere of life, including sports. On March 17, 2020, UEFA made the difficult decision to postpone Euro 2020 to 2021, prioritizing the health and safety of players, staff, and fans.

The Impact of COVID-19 and the Global Lockdown

The global lockdowns imposed to curb the spread of the virus had profound effects on sports events worldwide. With the postponement of Euro 2020, a cascade of rescheduling followed, impacting domestic leagues, international fixtures, and the overall football calendar. The traditional summer tournament was moved to the following year, retaining its original name, "Euro 2020," as a symbolic gesture of resilience and continuity.

No Spectators: A New Reality

One of the most significant changes brought about by the pandemic was the absence of spectators. Football matches, usually vibrant with the cheers and energy of fans, turned eerily silent. The decision to hold Euro 2020 without fans in the stadiums was necessary to prevent the virus's spread, but it stripped the event of its usual atmosphere. Players had to adapt to performing without the adrenaline boost from live audiences, and fans had to settle for watching the games on television or online.

As I was in Goa during the whole of lockdown (see other blog post), I watched the Euros with friends at local bars and hotels. Being an Englishman in India, and with India having no team involved or indeed no real passion for football, the local Indians were cheering on the England team with more enthusiasm than many English ex-pats!

The most memorable game was the Final, England v Italy, which we watched as a crowd of about 30 in a hotel which was closed for monsoon but owned by a friend, who invited us all in to watch the game on his huge 60" screen. It was disappointing to lose in the Final, even more so for a friend who bet on England to lift the trophy and lost £5000 on that game! As a Matched Bettor who sees losses very rarely, and never in 8 years has had more than £20 wasted, I really felt sorry for them!

Effect on the Football Calendar and on Earnings!

The postponement of Euro 2020 had a domino effect on the football calendar. Domestic leagues, which were abruptly halted in March 2020, resumed during the summer, a period typically reserved for international tournaments. This compressed schedule left little room for rest and recovery, leading to concerns about player fatigue and increased risk of injuries. The knock-on effects were felt in the 2020-2021 season, which had to accommodate the delayed Euro 2020 and other postponed competitions.

It also had a massive effect on matched betting, as there was no sports to make money from! This clearly affected my earnings for some time, even into the new season as players and teams were not performing as usual and results were far less stable, meaning less chances of profit from matched betting opportunities.

I took a different approach and focused on earning from casino offers, then in late 2020 I was employed as a freelancer to provide content for a new online course that aimed to help people of all abilities to create an online income. The work I did included making a testimonial video for the course creator, who was my former Mentor, and Guides, Tricks and Tips for making the most of all the juicy offers that come about during the tournament. These guides went to 300+ members who joined the course. Some of the members came to me for private coaching. All of them went on to make a decent profit throughout the competition, and in the 12 months following, covering a wide range of ways to make money online..

TV Ratings: A Mixed Bag

With no live audiences, television became the primary medium for fans to experience Euro 2020. While TV ratings surged initially as sports-starved viewers tuned in, the novelty wore off for some, as the lack of crowd noise and atmosphere affected the viewing experience. However, broadcasters adapted by incorporating artificial crowd noise (from the Playstation FIFA football game!) and innovative camera angles to enhance the sense of immersion. The pandemic also accelerated the shift towards digital streaming, with many fans opting for online platforms to watch the matches.

Looking Ahead to Euro 2024

As we approach the finals in June 2024, the football world is hopeful for a return to normalcy. The upcoming Euro 2024, to be held in Germany, promises to revive the traditional football festival atmosphere with packed stadiums and vibrant fan zones. The lessons learned from the pandemic have equipped organizers with better contingency plans and health protocols to ensure the safety of all participants.

The football calendar has gradually stabilized, with leagues and tournaments finding a rhythm that accommodates both domestic and international fixtures. The resilience of the football community during the pandemic has been remarkable, and the anticipation for Euro 2024 is a testament to the enduring passion for the sport. The offers are starting to stack up already and it is looking to be another profitable tournament!

TV Ratings: A Mixed Bag

With no live audiences, television became the primary medium for fans to experience Euro 2020. While TV ratings surged initially as sports-starved viewers tuned in, the novelty wore off for some, as the lack of crowd noise and atmosphere affected the viewing experience. However, broadcasters adapted by incorporating artificial crowd noise (from the Playstation FIFA football game!) and innovative camera angles to enhance the sense of immersion. The pandemic also accelerated the shift towards digital streaming, with many fans opting for online platforms to watch the matches.

Looking Ahead to Euro 2024

As we approach the finals in June 2024, the football world is hopeful for a return to normalcy. The upcoming Euro 2024, to be held in Germany, promises to revive the traditional football festival atmosphere with packed stadiums and vibrant fan zones. The lessons learned from the pandemic have equipped organizers with better contingency plans and health protocols to ensure the safety of all participants.

The football calendar has gradually stabilized, with leagues and tournaments finding a rhythm that accommodates both domestic and international fixtures. The resilience of the football community during the pandemic has been remarkable, and the anticipation for Euro 2024 is a testament to the enduring passion for the sport. The offers are starting to stack up already and it is looking to be another profitable tournament!