UEFA EURO 2024: Introducing 3 new rules for the first time

The UEFA Euro 2024 is set to kick off on June 15th and will commence on July 15th. The upcoming major tournament will bring together the best Football talents across Europe after a long club season. However, this edition of the tournament will be memorable not just for the skills of the footballers, but also for the innovative new rules designed to enhance the marquee tournament. 

These changes reflect UEFA's commitment to improving the game, making it more engaging, fair, and transparent for everyone involved. However, as the teams prepare to compete for glory, it’d be interesting to see which team will lift the coveted trophy at the end of the event.

Here are some changes that will be introduced for the first time in UEFA Euro:

1. Shorter stoppage times

One of the most significant changes is the adjustment to stoppage time rules. Unlike the extended stoppage times seen in the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the Premier League, Euro 2024 will adopt a more streamlined approach. This new rule will be applied to minimise interruptions and keep the game flowing, ensuring that players and fans experience a continuous match. This change is expected to reduce the additional time significantly, maintaining the natural rhythm of the game.

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2. Microchipped balls

To bring more accuracy to refereeing decisions, especially concerning handballs, Euro 2024 will feature balls equipped with microchips. These advanced sensors will detect when the ball has been touched by a player's hand or arm. This technology promises to offer precise data to referees, reducing controversial calls and ensuring fair play. There are many instances even in the bigger tournaments when the players get away after touching the ball with the hand and the referee fails to acknowledge it resulting in frustration for the opponents. However, since we will have microchips in the ball for the upcoming tournament, it will ensure that the game will be played fairly.

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3. Detailed explanation for VAR decisions

Stadiums hosting Euro 2024 matches will now be required to display detailed explanations of VAR (Video Assistant Referee) decisions to fans. This rule will increase the transparency and understanding of the refereeing process. By providing clear and immediate information on why a particular decision was made, UEFA hopes to bridge the gap between officials and spectators. This initiative will help rectify the VAR process and foster greater trust in the technology among fans.