UEFA EURO 2020: Squad lists increased to 26 players

Today, the UEFA Executive Committee approved special rules for the UEFA EURO 2020 final tournament to guarantee the smooth running and continuity of the competition in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Report informs, citing UEFA Executive Committee.

To mitigate the risks of teams facing a shortage of available players for specific matches due to possible positive COVID-19 test results and subsequent quarantine measures ordered by competent authorities. It has been decided to increase the player list for all participating teams to 26 players.

However, 23 players shall remain the maximum number permitted on the match sheet for each match (under Law 3 of the IFAB Laws of the Game allowing a maximum of 12 substitutes to be named for A-national team matches), including three goalkeepers.

Once the player list has been submitted on 1 June 2021, the current regulations allow unlimited replacements on the player list in case of severe injury or illness before the first match, provided that the reserves are medically certified.

The new regulations will now also allow goalkeepers to be replaced before each match during the tournament in case of physical incapacity, even if one or two goalkeepers from the player list are still available.

To ensure the integrity of the competition, a player who has been replaced on the player list cannot be readmitted to the list.