Berlin Steers Clear of Perilous Ventures
Berlin Bows Out of 2029 UEFA Women's Championship Amidst Tension Over Bidding Requirements
Germany's capital shrugs off UEFA's demanding conditions
Berlin, baby, once on the shortlist for hosting the 2029 UEFA Women's European Football Championship, is now out of the picture. The Berlin Senate Administration, pretty pissed off about UEFA's prickly requirements, has given the organizing body a piece of its mind.
Sabine Beikler, spokesperson for the city's Senate Administration for the Interior and Sports, didn't mince her words, "Berlin ain't signing up for taking on financial and contractual risks as part of the bidding process." Boom!
Previously, the German Football Association (DFB) had lined up Berlin, along with a couple of other cities, for Germany's bid. But, alas, Berlin, Gelsenkirchen, and Rostock got booted out, leaving the DFB with eight other potential cities.
Apparently, the expert panel, the ones responsible for picking cities, is going for a different play this time. They're, allegedly, making the host cities shoulder liability risks - a brand new twist in the bidding drama.
But Berlin doesn't seem to be sweating it too much; the Senate Administration wishes the remaining cities good luck in the bidding race. "Berlin's got a heart for women's football and sports in general. We'll keep supporting 'em."
The UEFA, ever the busy bee, is set to announce the tournament's winner by December. Germany's running against Italy, Poland, Portugal, and a joint candidacy by Denmark and Sweden. Remember, Berlin was one of the main host cities for the 2024 Men's European Championship, where Spain trumped England 2-1, in case you missed it.
Sources:
- DFB selects eight cities for 2029 Women's European Championship bid
- Berlin Out of 2029 UEFA Women's Championship Bid
Berlin, despite its passion for sports and football, will not be participating in the 2029 UEFA Champions League as it earlier planned, due to the financial and contractual risks associated with the bidding process. Regardless, Berlin continues to show its support for European leagues, cheering on the remaining cities in the bidding race.
