We’re making a point again, this time poking fun at the unacceptably low-key and unambitious stadia that’s been picked for this summer’s Women’s Euros.
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To shine a spotlight on this footballing faux pas, we’ve floated a giant inflatable arrow in the Northwest corner of Man City’s Academy Stadium during tonight’s Belgium v Iceland match, literally pointing out that Manchester City’s 55,000-capacity Etihad Stadium, a mere Ederson goal-kick (650 metres) away, is free and available in the background – with football officials at the game so embarrassed they eventually took the inflatable taken down.
The massive 25x11x5ft inflatable carries the tongue-in-cheek message, “Anyone seen a stadium big enough for a Euros game?” and could be seen floating at the corner of the open stadium by players, fans and any UEFA or FA suits in attendance, as the sold-out match played out in front of a reduced-capacity crowd.
UEFA actually picked Man City’s Academy ground for a #WEURO2022 game.
If only there was a stadium nearby that was used to regularly hosting 4,000 people… pic.twitter.com/QrjCizmOhW
— Paddy Power (@paddypower) July 10, 2022
The women’s game has progressed massively in recent years, and this tournament was a great opportunity for teams to play in front of record crowds all over the country and accelerate that growth. Unfortunately, by choosing low-key and lower capacity stadia, in the form of the Academy Stadium and Leigh Sports Village, it gives the impression that those in charge are actually working hard to undermine that progress.
The fear of empty seats really shouldn’t put the footballing bosses off being more ambitious in their stadium selection – we’re all used to a half empty Etihad most weeks anyway!
Two ends of Man City’s Academy Stadium are standing terraces and one end of Leigh Sports Village, another chosen stadium, is also standing only (something not permitted in UEFA competitions) meaning normal capacity is reduced for games at these venues from the already measly 7,000 and 12,000 respectively – a move which many, including current Iceland captain Sara Björk Gunnarsdóttir, have branded “disgraceful” and “embarrassing”.
Women’s EURO 2022 fixtures at the Manchester City Academy Stadium, including Iceland vs Italy and Italy vs Belgium, are also sell-outs, indicating a strong demand for tickets in the city and amongst fans generally, and further raises questions about the decision to host the game at such a small venue.
The Icelandic captain Gunnarsdóttir, who was playing in Iceland vs Belgium on Sunday when the giant inflatable popped up at the Academy Stadium, has spoken publicly over her disappointment about the way the stadium selection has been handled.
“It’s shocking” she said, “you’re playing in England, you have so many stadiums, and we have a training ground from City. It’s just embarrassing.”
Recent research undertaken by the Paddy shows two-thirds (67%) of Brits think that the venue selections are a shame or show a lack of respect, with another two-thirds (66%) saying the stadium decisions for the competition will be detrimental to the progression of women’s football.
C’mon, UEFA. You’re, erm, better than that.
READ MORE
- Here’s our ULTIMATE preview guide to all 16 teams at Euro 2022
- Women’s Euro 2022 odds: Who are the favourites to win the trophy?
- When is the Women’s Euro 2022? Fixtures, groups, schedule & venues as England host
- Women’s Euros squads: Every team’s complete list of selected players for 2022 tournament
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