Jurgen the German
Erik Thorstvedt
Nothing in particular wrong with the format as it is, but football has grown immensely (particularly financially) over the last 20 years by not just standing still and being happy with the status quo. You might not be happy with that development, but that's more a question of motivation than application.
If the biggest teams do get 2 home games a lot of fans will be able to take 10 days off work and follow their team in their own capital. And again, if the flights are relatively short then trains will be an alternative to flights as well. The trips won't be that much longer than the travels internally in single countries hosting events.
I'm assuming UEFA are doing this to increase the interest and thus the audience and income from these tournaments. I don't think giving several teams home advantage to thus get more big teams through the group stages is part of it though. Coincidences happen. Quite frequently.
If this was some part of an overall money making scheme for UEFA why then allow Polan and Ukraine to co-host, or Switzerland and Austria?
I'm generally less than convinced by conspiracy theories though.
I still don't see how having the tournament in multiple cities is meant to grow the game. The tournament isn't going to grow stagnant and become less popular if it stays the way it is. I'm all for debating this topic, but I'm yet to be convinced by anyone as to why this is a good move by UEFA.
One more point, there has been talk about expanding the tournament i.e. more teams, what do you think of those proposals? I think it's perfect the way it is personally.
Also, if UEFA and FIFA want to be innovative and improve the game further, why don't they introduce goal technology for example? Because THAT would definitely improve football rather than tinkering with an already well run and successful international tournament.