Euro 2024: Slovenia were allowed to bypass UEFA rule during 0-0 draw with England as reason comes to light
Slovenia were allowed a get-around over a new rule instituted by UEFA in their clash against England in Euro 2024. The guidelines claim that only the captain is allowed to communicate with the referee in any situation.
Jan Oblak, the team's goalkeeper is the captain. Thus, in a bypass of the rule, they are allowed to nominate one outfield player to act on his behalf and centre-back Jaka Bijol was awarded those responsibilities.
Head coach Matjaz Kek had this to say about the situation (via The Mirror):
“Jaka Bijol will communicate with the referees. If we haven’t had issues with referees due to our behavior on the field so far, I believe it will be the same in Germany. At the same time, we’re talking about football, emotions – anyone can get carried away, even me. But this is Euro 2024, where only the best in Europe will remain in the game.”
It has been an impressive campaign for the central European nation, who have secured qualification to the knockout stages.
Needing just a point from their final clash against England, they decided to adopt a defensive approach to shut down the Three Lions. It was successful as they were able to frustrate their attackers in a game that ended 0-0.
With three successive draws in the group stage, they have qualified as one of the four best third-placed teams and will be waiting to know their opponents with the group-stage fixtures ending today (June 26).
England's Round of 16 opponents in Euro 2024 revealed after they top Group C
England have been presented with a rather favorable route in the knockout stage of Euro 2024 after finishing on top of Group C. With a dull 0-0 draw against Slovenia, the Three Lions are set to face one of the four third-placed teams in the Round of 16.
As it stands, Ronald Koeman's Netherlands side are their most likely opponents after finishing third in Group D. However, they will receive confirmation only after the completion of the Group F fixtures, where Portugal take on Georgia and Turkey face Czechia.
With all three teams except the Selecao able to finish in third place with more than three points, they would replace Hungary in the knockout stages, changing England's opponents to an opponent from Group E.
The upcoming Group E fixtures include Romania vs Slovakia and Ukraine vs Belgium. With all four teams locked on three points, it is set to be an interesting finish in the group and England will be watching closely to find out who they face.