UEFA are making arrangements to increase squad size for 2024 summer’s European Champions to 26 players.
This was made known in a statement after UEFA held discussions with coaches on Monday in Dusseldorf, Germany, giving the nod to expansion of squads.
Currently, teams will be able to select 23-man squad to Germany, as a return to the regulations used prior to Euro 2020, when a further three players were allowed to be picked to help reduce the impact of potential COVID-19 outbreaks.
The subject was discussed as part of a two-day workshop in Dusseldorf for Euro 2024 participants and UEFA said in a statement that they will consider the request.
“During the session, UEFA also took the opportunity to discuss squad sizes for the forthcoming tournament with the assembled coaches,” UEFA said in a statement shared with Sky Sports News.
“EURO 2024 squads are currently limited to 23 players, a return to the regulations employed prior to EURO 2020, when an increase to 26 was permitted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The positive discussions highlighted different points of view among coaches, with some expressing a desire to increase the squad size, with more choice available to tackle the threat of injuries and the intense physical demands placed upon players.
“Others stated their preference to cap the squad size at 23, pointing out the difficulty in training and managing the group with additional players.
“UEFA has taken note of the various opinions and points of view shared, with a final decision to be made in the coming weeks,” it said.
As the decision is not yet set in motion, the UEFA executive committee needs to sanction the rule change – but it is expected that will simply be a rubber-stamping exercise.
