UEFA is exploring a bold plan to make qualifying for the European Championships more interesting and entertaining to fans.
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has no desire to alter the tournament itself but he conceded in recent days that qualifying can certainly be tweaked and improved.
‘Perhaps the qualifiers could be different,’ Ceferin explained, speaking at the Portugal Football Summit 2025.
‘There won’t be any more matches, but a more interesting format. We’re thinking about this right now.’
UEFA’s internal review in to how to capture the attention of supporters during qualifying campaigns is expected to see a number of alternatives considered.
It is possible that UEFA could look to mirroring qualifying models of their other competitions, such as the UEFA Nations League, or the UEFA Champions League.
UEFA are trying to find a way to make qualifying for the Euros more interesting to fans
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin admitted that they need to find a more entertaining format
UEFA did not comment on specifics of their review when approached by Daily Mail Sport.
The Nations League format involves a promotion and relegation system, whereby the new Champions League sees teams play six games once, rather than previous model of a standard group stage format home and away.
Football fans are becoming increasingly disillusioned by international breaks – there are three in the first three months of the season – and governing bodies are now appearing to listen.
This ongoing two-week October international break is the last of its kind with plans already in place to scratch it from 2026 onwards.
FIFA made the decision to instead combine the September and October break into one three-week window for international matches with countries playing four matches instead of the traditional two.
This move ensures an extra week of domestic football in the calendar and it is hoped that fewer disruptions, while longer in uninterrupted weeks, improves the experience for supporters.
