Liedjes Voetbal Steekspel Euro 1984

Despite the huge transition from previous World Cup European qualifiers to the European Championships in 1980, the European Championships in 1984 would also surface a huge improvement and change of system. This was the second European Championships

Due to the huge format change of this first European Championship in 1980, there would be all new rules. 48 countries would compete, instead of a previous 32. Firstly, the newly made members of the European Confederation would take part which included: Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, North Macedonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. Secondly, the relegated members, Andorra, San Marino, and Greenland would return. Thirdly, the three countries supposed to withdraw would mostly stay. Groups would be drawn with Northern Ireland without a group. The Yugoslav nation who would automatically qualify would be replaced in the Euro 1980 by Northern Ireland. This nation was Serbia.

8 groups consisting of 6 countries would compete. They would play each other once in a group stage. The top two of each group would qualify for the World Cup, and would qualify to the knockout bracket. If a tie-breaker match was necessary, it would take place in a neutral venue. The knockout bracket will continue, alongside a 3rd place playoff until a champion of Europe can be found.

The European Championships would have 10 host countries. Each group would have a single host country, with the knockouts having two countries sharing duties.