The “best European Championship” is history – it not only filled the hotels but also strengthened Switzerland’s image

Major events are often met with skepticism in Switzerland. The fact that the Women's European Championship is now being celebrated as a success by all sides is therefore all the more remarkable. After the European Football Association (UEFA) had already drawn a positive conclusion, the organizers also presented their assessment on Tuesday at the House of Sports in Ittigen near Bern. And they share the enthusiasm: The European Championship "exceeded the wildest expectations," said Robert Breiter, General Secretary of the Swiss Football Association (SFV).

He perfectly summed up the post-Festival mood: "Waking up from a dream is hard, even when it has become reality."

A key figure in making the dream come true was tournament director Doris Keller . She let another person speak to express her satisfaction. Keller quoted from a text message she had received the day before from Swiss national coach Pia Sundhage. "Thank you for the greatest Euro ever," the Swede had written, having already experienced a home tournament with her country as coach. On the journey home to Sweden, she heard "Well done, Switzerland" everywhere.

The fact that the tournament also generated skepticism about the host country is evident in the review of the English Guardian. Its commentator writes: "Switzerland's relatively modest football infrastructure, not to mention its reserved appreciation for women's football, had raised eyebrows." But then the commentator concludes: "But it had put on an event that was convincing right up to the end." The fan marches are evidence of a culture of women's football fans that has gained form and identity here.

Sandra Felix, Director of the Federal Office of Sport, also emphasized the tournament's social relevance. She described the home European Championship as a milestone. "With this event, we demonstrated that women's football isn't just a fixture. This Euro was a real statement," she said.

The success is not only evident in the positive atmosphere and increased awareness of women's football, but also measured in numbers. 97 percent of available tickets were sold, narrowly missing the goal of completely sold-out stadiums. Fans traveled from over 160 countries, with the largest groups from Germany and England. The tournament was well received by women : around half of the visitors were female, compared to less than 20 percent at men's tournaments. Thirty percent were under 30 years old. "Women's football is popular with younger people and with families," said Doris Keller, who had already made this prediction before the tournament.

The European Championship was also worthwhile for Switzerland from a tourism perspective. Thirty-five percent of the tickets went to foreign visitors, said Martin Nydegger, Director of Switzerland Tourism. Hotel occupancy in the host cities was high; in St. Gallen, for example, it reached 95 percent. The fact that the organization was able to fulfill its mission – "turn football fans into Swiss fans" – is not only due to the biggest campaign in ten years. Nor is it solely due to the football-loving influencers who were invited to spread the idyllic atmosphere around the world. The best promoters were the footballers themselves. Stars like Aitana Bonmatí, Ada Hegerberg, and Stina Blackstenius shared photos of their excursions into the mountains or from the shores of beautiful lakes.

Only details drew criticism: The SBB had extended the schedule twice, said Reto Liechti, head of passenger transport. While they had met their goal of getting all match visitors home, disruptions had caused delays in Basel and Geneva.

The strained situation in the women's restrooms in some stadiums was also addressed. Although this was addressed with additional cubicles, waiting times remained considerable at times.

Robert Breiter not only looked back, but also forward. What will come after waking up from the dream will not be easy. "We are now even more challenged. We must ensure that the tournament's success is sustainably carried into the future." In the further development of girls' and women's football, he said, they want to be inspired by England, the host of the last European Championship. The legacy is being implemented very successfully there. However, Switzerland is still miles away from the European champions in all respects.

Waking up from the dream was also hard, especially with regard to the men's league season. After the first match of the new season, FC Zurich vs. Sion on Friday evening, containers were set on fire in Zurich. Images of the peaceful fan marches during the European Championships have not increased tolerance for such incidents. Seven security directors, led by Stephanie Eymann from Basel, are demanding in a letter to the SFV and the Swiss Football League that peaceful women's matches should be used as a benchmark in men's football in the future. Breiter said in Bern that men's league matches and matches of the women's national team cannot be easily compared.

Welcome back to everyday life.