Euro 2024 will reportedly be the wokest tournament ever after UEFA implemented changes as part of a “diversity and inclusion” initiative. The tournament in Germany kicked off on Friday night as the host nation thrashed Scotland 5-1.
Football fans from across Europe have travelled to Germany to get a glimpse of their teams in action.
Spain, Italy and Switzerland all won their opening showdowns on Saturday, with England set to get their Euros underway on Sunday evening when they take on Serbia at the Arena AufSchalke.
According to The Sun, Euro 2024 will be the wokest tournament yet with vegan food, unisex toilets and the option to be searched by gender-neutral security.
Floodlights will be used sparingly away from the match action as they are set to be turned off just moments after games have come to an end. Meanwhile, staff at stadiums will have their electricity consumption limited.
UEFA have outlined the changes in their environmental, social and governance strategy. And the 36-page document reads: “As an organiser, we are aware that the organisation of such a major event gathering football stakeholders and fans from all over the world involves a significant footprint.
“We are therefore determined to be part of the solution to reduce as much as possible our impacts on the environment.”
The document goes on to state: “Since health and well-being are fundamental to sports, the tournament aims to promote better health and well-being through football activities across all age groups.”
A UEFA spokesman addressed the changes as he explained: “Gender-neutral entrances represent one dedicated channel at the stadium entrance, where ticket holders can decide if the security check is performed by a male or female steward, and no questions will be asked.
“Male and female stewards voluntarily agreed to search people of any sex or gender identity. Gender neutral public toilets can be used by people of any sex or gender identity.”
England are favourites to lift the trophy after suffering defeat to Italy in the Euro 2020 final at Wembley three years ago following a penalty shootout.
The Three Lions, who reached the World Cup semi-finals in 2018 under Gareth Southgate, will also face Denmark and Slovenia in Group C.
England fan Danny Moss, from Nottingham, has flown out to Germany ahead of the Three Lions’ opening game. And he told The Sun: “I suppose this is football in 2024 for you.
“It will be a very different feel to previous tournaments, that’s for sure. It all sounds very ‘woke’, and I’m not quite sure how England fans cope with it all to be honest.”
