UEFA in Panini scandal as England’s Foden and Saka omitted from Euro 2024 sticker book
The new sticker album for Euro 2024 has created controversy due to notable absent players and unexpected inclusions. Players like Foden, Saka, Rashford, Walker, and Stones are missing from the collection.
Surprisingly, players who may not feature in the tournament, such as Callum Wilson, Rico Lewis, and Fikayo Tomori, are included. Additionally, there is a sticker of Luke Thomas, who is currently on loan at Middlesbrough.
Topps attributes these omissions and inclusions to Panini, stating that certain parts of the collection were blocked by UEFA’s former sticker and trading card partner. A Topps spokesperson expressed disappointment over the missing players, blaming the former partner for obstructing parts of the collection.
However, they are committed to offering a diverse range of stickers and cards to excite fans for the upcoming tournament. Despite Wales not qualifying for Euro 2024, Topps included stickers for the Welsh squad, which may have been printed before their defeat by Poland in a play-off.
On the other hand, Panini retains rights to aspects of top teams like England, Germany, France, Spain, and Italy and has produced a rival sticker album ahead of the tournament. Completing these sticker books may come at a cost, with Topps and Panini selling packets of stickers at different prices.
The Topps album consists of 728 stickers, while the Panini album has 387. Euro 2024 is scheduled to commence on June 14, with Germany hosting the first match against Scotland.
Currently, England is favored to win the championship, while France and Germany are also expected to perform well.
