Kevin De Bruyne: Euro 2020 Is Like a Fake Competition

DBasia.news –  Belgian midfielder, Kevin De Bruyne, gave a strong criticism to the Euro 2020 by calling it a “fake competition” and criticizing the format of the tournament draw which will be held next summer.

Kevin De Bruyne took a role in the Belgian national team’s qualification for the 2020 European Cup finals. In the qualifying round, the Red Devils wiped out 10 matches with a win. Remarkably, Belgium was able to score 40 goals and only conceded three times.

The plan is that the group stage draw will be held in Bukharest, Romania, on November 30, 2019. Belgium is predicted to be one of the teams most likely to become the European champion.

However, although the draw has yet to take place, Belgium already knows they will be in Group B with Denmark and Russia. This situation is somewhat strange as the opponent has been determined when the draw has yet to be held.

European Cup 2020 is held in a different way. In total, there will be 12 European cities to host. Denmark and Russia are countries that receive rations as organizers.

Inevitably, the 2020 European Cup format has received criticism, including from De Bruyne. The former Chelsea judge, this edition of the European Cup is only oriented to money.

“It’s a shame. I believe, the European Cup this time is like a fake competition. Football is increasingly becoming a business,” De Bruyne told VTM Nieuws.

As an explanation, the 2020 European Cup took six countries including Belgium which occupy the top ranking for still in pot 1 in the draw. Of the six countries, only Belgium and Ukraine are not the hosts.

Furthermore, UEFA regulates the host countries that qualify to be placed in a group that has been determined. This was taken to accommodate the host country at least twice competing at home.

Based on these rules, Denmark who occupies pot 3 will automatically be in Group B with Russia. Meanwhile, Ukraine who is in pot 1 cannot be placed in Group B as they have a political conflict with Russia. That way, Belgium is pushed into Group B.