The 2024 UEFA European Championship will kick off on June 14 without a third-place playoff. According to analysis by British media outlet 90min, the reason behind the Euros’ abandonment of the third-place match is not only due to players’ disdain after losing in the semifinals but also because of its lack of public interest.
In any football tournament, the runners-up, when receiving their medals during the final ceremony, often either refuse to wear them or take them off angrily. In either case, they seldom keep the medal on, especially with the champions celebrating right in front of them.
The third-place playoff rarely garners significant attention from fans, and players have little motivation to participate. It’s a game that no one really wants to play. The same applies to the 2024 Euros, where low attendance and below-average television viewership led UEFA to decide against organizing such a match.
Historically, third-place matches are generally less intense, although an exception was the thrilling contest between Croatia and Morocco in the 2022 World Cup. The last time a third-place playoff was held at the Euros was in 1980, when Czechoslovakia defeated Italy on penalties.
Additionally, 90min has previewed the upcoming Euros, with host Germany aiming for glory. Since France in 1984, no host nation has won the tournament. France is also a strong contender, while England seeks revenge for their defeat in the previous final.