EMF EURO 2024 will take place from June 1 to June 9 in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Couple of months before this event, we had a quick chat with Borislav Aleksandrov, president of the European Minifootball Association.
EMF EURO 2024 will be in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. What kind of elements decided to organise this huge tournament in Sarajevo?
Choosing Sarajevo as the host city for EMF EURO 2024 was a decision influenced by several key factors. Firstly, Sarajevo’s rich cultural heritage and history make it a fascinating destination for fans and participants alike. The city offers excellent facilities, infrastructure and a proven track record of hosting international events, which assures us of its capability to manage a tournament of this scale. Additionally, the enthusiasm and passion for football in Bosnia and Herzegovina, coupled with strong support from local authorities and the community, were decisive elements. Our goal is to not only celebrate European minifootball but also to contribute to the local economy and sports culture.
What will be different, possibly new, compared to the EMF EURO 2022?
For EMF EURO 2024, we are focusing on innovation and enhancing the fan experience. We’re introducing advanced technology for live broadcasting, real-time analytics and fan engagement to bring the action closer to the audience worldwide. Sustainability will be a key theme, with initiatives aimed at minimizing the environmental impact of the tournament. We’re also expanding the cultural and entertainment program surrounding the event, offering a richer, more immersive experience for visitors and locals alike.
We were witnesses of a pretty successful European events in 2023 like EMF Champions League or EMF EUROCUP. What do you expect from the EMF EURO 2024?
Building on the success of the 2023 events, we anticipate EMF EURO 2024 to set new benchmarks in terms of organization, participation, and viewer engagement. We aim to deliver a seamless, memorable tournament that not only showcases the highest level of minifootball talent, but also promotes unity, diversity, and sportsmanship. We expect to see intense competition, thrilling matches and a celebration of the sport that will resonate with fans across Europe and beyond.
Which countries are your favourites and dark horses in this tournament?
While it’s always challenging to pick favorites, teams from countries with a strong minifootball tradition, such as the Czech Republic, Romania, and Hungary, are expected to perform well. However, the beauty of minifootball lies in its unpredictability. We’re keenly watching teams that have shown significant progress recently, like Slovakia, Montenegro, and Serbia who could be the dark horses of this tournament, ready to surprise and captivate.
Do you have any message that you would like to send to all the fans of minifootball?
To all the fans of minifootball, your enthusiasm and love for the game are what drive us to make EMF EURO 2024 an unforgettable experience. We invite you to join us in Sarajevo to witness the talent, passion, and unity of minifootball at its best. Let’s celebrate the sport together, respecting each other and the values of fair play and camaraderie. Your support not only uplifts the players, but also spreads the joy and spirit of minifootball far and wide. See you in Sarajevo!