Euro 2020 draw begins countdown to controversial tournament

The draw for Euro 2020 takes place on Saturday in Bucharest amid much head-scratching and criticism about the complex format for a competition which for the first time will be held in 12 cities in 12 different nations across the continent.

It is just the second 24-team Euro after 2016 in France, and the decision to do away with having just one, or two, hosts will not be repeated with the tournament heading to Germany in 2024.

It can be politely described as an ambitious move by ex-UEFA president Michel Platini to mark the 60th anniversary of the first European Championship.

The Frenchman, who has just completed a four-year ban from football, championed the concept, saying in 2012: "It is perhaps a bit of a zany idea but it is a good idea."
"For me they are sort of falsifying the competition. It takes all the pleasure away from the draw."
- Environmental impact -
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UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has defended the format, but admitted "it also has a cost, with increased travel for fans to watch their teams play. Here, UEFA takes its responsibilities seriously and it is right that we offset the resulting carbon emissions."
- France, Portugal not top seeds -
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