A Blooming Concept for UEFA EURO2012, but…

The Union of European Football Associations has been around since 1954. It is comprised of 53 European associations and is headquartered in Nyon, Switzerland. Almost always referred to by its acronym UEFA, it organizes several national and club-level competitions across Europe. The largest of six continental confederations of the French Swiss organization FIFA (Federation Internationale de Football Association), UEFA is also the wealthiest and most influential over the game of football. Since 1960, UEFA has held one of their Pan European competitions, the UEFA European Football Championship, every four years in member countries. In 2000, for the first time, the tournament was held by two neighboring countries, Netherlands and Belgium. The trend stayed and the last competition in 2008 was in Austria and Switzerland. In 2012, the games will be held by neighbors Poland and Ukraine. A first for Central and Eastern Europe.

Visual identity
The purpose of the logo is to give UEFA EURO 2012â„¢ a personality of its own, with the visual identity to be applied across a range of promotional applications from tickets to web banners. The objective is to help promote the tournament - one of the world’s biggest sporting events - by providing an easily recognisable identity with a flavour of the host nations. The logo takes its visual lead from ‘wycinanka’, the traditional art of paper cutting practised in rural areas of Poland and Ukraine, as a tribute to the fauna and flora of the region.

EURO bloom
The ‘bloom’ logo has a flower representing each of the co-host nations and a central ball symbolising the emotion and passion of the competition, while the stem denotes the structural aspect of the competition, UEFA and European football. Nature has inspired other features of the visual identity, with woodland green, sun yellow, aqua blue, sky blue and blackberry purple being the crucial tones of the palette of colours to figure in official tournament branding.
— Press Release

UEFA President Michel Platini (C), Poland Soccer Federation President Grzegorz Lato (R) and Ukrainian FA president Grigoriy Surkis attend a news conference. Image source: Daylife.

The official logo and slogan, “Creating History Together”, for UEFA EURO 2012™ was revealed earlier this week in Ukraine. According to UEFA, “the purpose of the logo is to give UEFA EURO 2012™ a distinct personality…”. They also mention that the visual identity should have easy recall and cultural references. They plan on promoting this “[…] as one of the world’s biggest sporting events. My friends, it is worth mentioning that this event is a huge deal for UEFA and the host nations.

The Gravity Fighting Portuguese firm Brandia Central created the identity. I contacted Brandia Central to get more images of the brand extension but there was no response from them. Their video, above, shows the thought process behind the development of the identity as well as how they plan on using the visuals — standard stuff. At 0:25 in the video (and the images above) you can see the forms that represent a cultural reference — Wycinanki patterns, common to Poland and Ukraine. Vaguely similar to Origami, it is a decorative art-form that consists of cutting and folding brightly colored pieces of paper. Very interesting. The logo, deemed “EURO bloom,” is made up of a floral motif with a football in the centre. Umm, boring. Other features of the identity have been attributed to the native flora and fauna. Yawn. The stem of the flower is meant to symbolize the structural aspect of the competition. Zzz.

Above, logo unveiling. Embedded disabled, but you can click quickly through it this way. Below, still image from the unveiling… Is that Verdana on that banner?! Image source: Daylife.

In my opinion, the UEFA EURO 2012™ logo is much softer and emotional in feel compared to the logo from 2008. That, it seems, was the intention. Even though, like Wycinanki, the forms contain bright and highly saturated colors, culturally, it doesn’t drive the ball deep enough into the net. They should have left those edges straight — as seen in traditional Wycinanki. It completely misses the net as far as capturing the spirit and energy of football. It seems heavily catered to multimedia — some 8 billion viewers in all followed UEFA EURO 2004™ on TV (source, PDF) — with its glossy and glowing finish. It has a heavy consumer appeal (perhaps UEFA are looking to cash in on sales of official merchandise). I did like the fact that they incorporated the national colors of both nations in the logo. Overall, the logo is very well executed with questionable typographic treatment — why is the “R” trying to lob the “O”?

Moral of the story: it is always better to kick around a great concept that has been terribly executed rather than driving a beautifully executed logo without legs. Concept gets Red Card. Execution Scores.

Update: Official logos, above. Thanks to Volodymyr for the tip.

Thanks to Ivan Philipov for first tip.

Roth’s comment is:

It’s my nanna’s floral wallpaper.

Despite this i find it attractive but am left wondering why logos for major sporting events are often so frickin weird.

On Dec.18.2009 at 06:04 AM

Erwin’s comment is:

It’s not all that bad, IMHO. First of all, it’s good to see that the overall style of the brand stays the same every 4 years, I like that.

Also I’m very fond of local folklore and arts & crafts, so I’m thrilled they try to incorporate that in the logo and style. Sadly, it’s not always done in a good way. The combining of traditional patterns with the lines of the soccer fields feels somewhat clumsy and out of place. Turning flowers into football stadiums was terrible to look at, and the ball in the logo doesn’t look all that great neither. So kudos for the effort they put in, but I’m not really convinced. The “euro” wordmark is also a bit odd, the RO thingy wasn’t necessary.

On the other hand, the promotional vid was a feast for the eyes and I’m sure the applications will turn out great. The actual balls they’ll use at the games will probably look like the ball in the logo, that’s a plus.

I agree that this brand is a VERY VERY VERY big deal! Everyone in Europe will be confronted with it on a daily basis, once the summer of 2012 hits.

Overall I think it’s okay, it fits in the line of UEFA logo’s, and isn’t worse than the previous logo’s or anything. On the other hand, I’m sure a lot of Eastern European designers will start complaining that a lot more could’ve been done with the folklore, and they’re probably right…

On Dec.18.2009 at 06:08 AM

Erwin’s comment is:

Also, Clyde, in case you just started for Brand New, I have to congratulate you on what is a very good article. I think you could’ve been a bit more objective on the subject though.

And the line: “This year, the games will be held by neighbors Poland and Ukraine.” is obviously not true because we’re still living in ‘09! ;)

I’ll stop complaining, it was a quality post, congrats to Brand New and Clyde!

On Dec.18.2009 at 06:21 AM

David McGillivray’s comment is:

My initial thoughts on the logo was that it is very feminin, and quite a surprising choice for a UEFA logo. Obviously after watching the promotional material and reading more about it I can understand why the floral emblems. But I’m not sure it’ll hold the attention of masses of football fans long enough for them to understand and engage in its cultural heritage, I fear they’ll just write it off as a weird flower logo.

Having said that, I think seeing the logo in context in the video above was a real eye opener, when seen amongst animation and which I’m guessing is the kind of thing that will be playing on TV before a game etc, it looks great, and also the outline drawings of the stadiums adds to the idea that the identity draws form traditional arts and crafts, which I feel strengthens the identity. Although I feel they could have refined the flowers a bit more, and the football as a flower is a bit dodgy to say the least. Another thing I’m not sure about is the swirly purple background they use, it’s just one step too far with the floral theme for me.

Overall quite a brave move to go for such a floral themed identity, it feels like they came close to pulling it off, but couldn’t quite make it work.

David

On Dec.18.2009 at 06:25 AM

Sqwige’s comment is:

It isn’t the first time the logo has represented a flower here is the logo from 1980 When it was hosted by Italy
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEFA_Euro_1980

On Dec.18.2009 at 06:47 AM

Josh’s comment is:

I still giggle every time I hear someone talk about the EUFA cup…..

“what was that again?”
“the EUFA cup.”
“can you say it slower?”
“eeuuuufffffaaaa cup”
“heheheheh”

That said, I actually think the concept could have really gone somewhere if it had stayed more culturally linked. It feels a lot more like “Sweden” than Ukraine or Poland. A flatter image with stricter lines and a more geometric shape could have done a great job…

On Dec.18.2009 at 06:57 AM

Plamen’s comment is:

Chupa Chups must me the new UEFA sponsor, right?

* FIFA is not a ‘French’ organization

** The host of the 1976 finals was Yugoslavia, so it’s not true this is the first Euro for CEE

On Dec.18.2009 at 07:18 AM

Clyde’s comment is:

@ Erwin
Thanks for catching my boo boo. As far as being objective, given Brand New’s criteria, I think I achieved that. I also wish Brandia Central replied to me.

@ Plamen
That’s correct, FIFA is Swiss. Not French. Thanks. As far the games being a first for Eastern Europe - I got that from UEFA’s official press release. Yikes.

On Dec.18.2009 at 07:46 AM

Mario’s comment is:

Give me back my flower power!!

On Dec.18.2009 at 08:08 AM

cj’s comment is:

huge football fan here, also left wondering why sporting event logos are so weird. I love that this was informed by paper cut-outs, but it’s just so, so… cheesy. blech.

On Dec.18.2009 at 08:26 AM

Jonathan Carnehl’s comment is:

That’s just plain weird.

On Dec.18.2009 at 08:26 AM

cj’s comment is:

oh yes, and FIFA ain’t French. it just unfortunately has a totally sexist buffoon (who happens to be French) as president.

On Dec.18.2009 at 08:28 AM

soully’s comment is:

Weird, overly complicated and ugly, and no amount of shiny coating is going to hide it.

On Dec.18.2009 at 08:53 AM

Carlo’s comment is:

If I see another logo with that ghostly-supposedly-a-person-joyously-reaching-for-the-sky silhouette I’m going to start including it in all my designs; because obviously it’s some sort of secret alien hieroglyph to guarantee redemption when the aliens come back to Earth.

On Dec.18.2009 at 08:57 AM

Ray Quinn’s comment is:

How exactly did 8 billion people watch UEFA EURO 2004 when the population of Earth is less than 7 billion?

On Dec.18.2009 at 09:57 AM

Joseph’s comment is:

This is… weird.

Execution is ok, but I don’t get it. It doesn’t seem like it would appeal to football fans. It’s very feminine.

Also, does it bother anyone else that this logo is very heavy on the right side? I’m all for asymmetry, but this just feels unbalanced.

On Dec.18.2009 at 10:00 AM

Philadelphia workers compensation lawyer’s comment is:

The logo is a nice touch, I like what they did, but it just isn’t football.

On Dec.18.2009 at 10:25 AM

grubedoo’s comment is:

That’s not a logo it’s an effing disaster.

On Dec.18.2009 at 10:37 AM

Chris Weems’s comment is:

I’m not a fan but I’m not really into soccer either though. Can you imagine if the NFL rolled out a logo like this?

On Dec.18.2009 at 10:54 AM

Volodymyr’s comment is:

You can get more of the logo images (including half-tone and 1-color) on the UEFA’s ftp-server, which is open to media:

https://ftp.uefa.com/

Username: media 2012
password: Logo1412

On Dec.18.2009 at 10:58 AM

Volodymyr’s comment is:

^upd
Sorry - no space in media2012

On Dec.18.2009 at 11:00 AM

obse.’s comment is:

I like how the O in EURO fits the bottom curve of the UEFA logo.

On Dec.18.2009 at 11:14 AM

christine’s comment is:

seems complicated. odd gradients in stem. i do like what’s going on in the background of that first purple field though. perhaps something with more flat color would have been more successful?

On Dec.18.2009 at 11:38 AM

Erwin’s comment is:

I agree it’s not your typical sports logo, but that’s obviously done on purpose. Euro2012 is more about bringing people together than it is about winning games, it’s about fraternity. Hosting the event will give Poland and the Ukraine an incredible boost, not just economically. It’s the main reason why they chose the two countries in the first place, I guess. An event like that deserves a friendly and warm logo, that reflects happiness and fair play.

It’s much like the Olympics I think. You can find a similar philosophy in their brands/logo’s.

On Dec.18.2009 at 11:40 AM

Darrel’s comment is:

This would have been a better logo for the climate conference.

On Dec.18.2009 at 11:40 AM

sharon’s comment is:

This is lame lame lame amateur shit. Wake up guys

On Dec.18.2009 at 12:14 PM

Michael Wincott’s comment is:

@sharon Why is it lame?

On Dec.18.2009 at 12:39 PM

Brian Spence’s comment is:

I didn’t like it at first, mainly because I was like,”what the hell is a flower doing on a soccer logo? Aren’t we trying to make soccer more manly these days?” Well, maybe that’s only true in America.

Learning more about it, I think the fact that it speaks to the culture of that region is smart. It’s also a good accomplishment that they were able to integrate both flags in the logo without it being cheesy. I do think it’s a little soft, emotionally, for soccer, but it’s not bad. The RO treatment could be better. The whole thing isn’t knocking me over, but I like it.

On Dec.18.2009 at 02:05 PM

Doug Best’s comment is:

Long-time reader, first-time poster.

This is the pits. The worst. The tail end of the pig. The fuzzy part of the lollipop. The smelly end of the bus. Just really, really, really bad. The “concept” is completely unintelligible in the execution. It is far too complex to be called a logo - its really an illustration. A sort of bad acid trip illustration.

A ball with flowers inside. Flowers with people inside. Etc. This sort of rudimentary symbolism is insultingly sophomoric. And ultimately unsuccessful. By trying to communicate so many things, it generates nothing but static, and in the end, communicates nothing.

Also, from a purely aesthetic view, the gradients, shadows and glows make it look like a five dollar whore’s makeup - attractive only if you’re desperate and/or have no taste.

The people who created this abomination should be drawn and quartered, or perhaps pelted to death with soccer balls. And to any who see merit in it, or, God forbid, actually like it - WTF??!! Are you high? Certainly you’re working in the wrong field.

Cheers, all!

On Dec.18.2009 at 02:34 PM

Marcin’s comment is:

Way better idea in 2008.

Although, it looks fine and I like the presentation. But the idea… no.

On Dec.18.2009 at 02:51 PM

Armin’s comment is:

Sharon, as you asked in the COP15 thread, I am the one “deleting your fucking posts”, as you so eloquently put it. Unless you can contribute something more than “this is lame” I will continue to delete them and if you keep up with the attitude, I have no problem in banning your IP. Thank you for your consideration.

If you have any further questions, please refer to this post.

On Dec.18.2009 at 02:54 PM

Legal Marketing’s comment is:

This is different…i don’t know if i like it yet but its different. I do think it is interesting that they got the idea from the whole paper cut out thing though. Interesting post.

On Dec.18.2009 at 03:15 PM

Ivan’s comment is:

Wow, I’ve been mentioned as the one that passed the tip to Armin - that’s flattering :) Glad to be of help to probably the most inspiring blog out there.

Happy holidays, folks!

On Dec.18.2009 at 03:24 PM

Marcin.C’s comment is:

Thanks Clyde!

I’ve been thinking if Brand New will nottice it.

I’m from Poland and like the concept, especially how casual and emotional it is. It suits our region really well. As for “Wycinanki” motif, well… many people here in Poland don’t like it - don’t know why. It’s very typical for the region. I also like nature references for the same reason. Overall the concept isn’t sophisticated… but does it really have to be?
Optimistic and casual, just like we are.

Cheers

On Dec.18.2009 at 04:03 PM

Marcin.C’s comment is:

Oh! and Typography is bad. That “A” with broken leg and RO?! What were they thinking?

Happy holidays

On Dec.18.2009 at 04:06 PM

Armin’s comment is:

> You can get more of the logo images (including half-tone and 1-color) on the UEFA’s ftp-server, which is open to media:

Thanks Volodymyr! Logos have been added to the post at the bottom. The flat, 1-color version is the best.

On Dec.18.2009 at 04:36 PM

Nathaniel’s comment is:

I love Mario Bros!

On Dec.18.2009 at 04:58 PM

Rafal S.’s comment is:

Hi everyone.

I’m from Poland too and I must say, that the flat version looks better not only because it’s simpler, but because it stays closer to the “wycinanki” theme. The sharp edges and flat colour actually allow us to see what the drawing looks like. And I must add I hardly noticed the reference, when the mark was full of those unbelievably ugly gradients. And as a Polish person I actually should recognise “wycinanki” immediately.

What I hate about the execution is the typography. Overly complicated and not well executed. The ligature is simply annoying.

What I like about it is the way the UEFA sign fits into it. Having to incorporate another logotype into your own creation is always an unpleasant task. I think they actually made it fit quite nicely. Just below the stem and above the “O”.

Cheers and happy holidays to you all!

On Dec.18.2009 at 05:14 PM

grfk_dzgn’s comment is:

EURO 2012 is about botany or competitive soccer?

Man, this thing is lame! Who sucked the life out of such a great high energy event?

Where’s a head butt when you need one??

I wonder if UEFA is going to hand transcendental meditation pamphlets at the matches?

Wow! Give me a break…

On Dec.18.2009 at 05:52 PM

grfk_dzgn’s comment is:

…Season’s Greetings to all!!

On Dec.18.2009 at 05:55 PM

Volodymyr’s comment is:

@ Armin
Sure, not problem. I am glad to help one the of the best blogs in the field, which I visit every day. I must say I love too the flat images, and they give a good answer to those critics who claim that the logo is decent only thanks to gradients ;)

On Dec.18.2009 at 06:26 PM

GrahamD’s comment is:

Ray Quinn said:
“How exactly did 8 billion people watch UEFA EURO 2004 when the population of Earth is less than 7 billion?”
On Dec.18.2009 at 09:57 AM

There are 31 games in the tournament, which means each game had an average of 258 million viewers. Seems very high, but bear in mind the FIFA World Cup attracts over 25 billion viewers.

On Dec.18.2009 at 09:06 PM

the macho man’s comment is:

These Europeans are crazy. This logo is the effect of the COP15 conference and their crazy ideas of global warming. Euros are crazier than Al Gore (YES, I am a Republican from the South. We don’t believe in global warming.)

In Europe, I would worry about being alive (Iran and a bomb that can reach Europe) than worrying about something 50 years from now.

On Dec.18.2009 at 09:18 PM

felix sockwell’s comment is:

words of wisdom, macho man. and how many times you been to europe?

as per the logo i think it stinks. with the flower and the person inside the flower, the colors and a bud as a metaphor for soccer? No. Soccer, and this tournament is not for women. Flowers are women.

On Dec.18.2009 at 10:10 PM

Xav’s comment is:

The first editions of the EURO championships were only a knock-out competition (à la FA.Cup) with the semis and final played in the country of one of the 4 semi-finalists. Country was always decided upon at the last minute when the semi finalists were known.

Only since 1980 the Euro has been planned well in advance, organised as a final tournament (à la World Cup) with qualifiers and all.

So, in essence, the article is right. This will be the first time a proper Euro tourney will be organised in eastern Europe.

As for the logo, I like it. It looks like a UEFA logo. I agree it’s a bit girly but UEFA are after all a family oriented organisation. The flower device is acceptable, it certainly won’t create waves in either country and since the UEFA discourages designers to use the Delaunay trophy in EURO logos they had to come up with something.

On Dec.18.2009 at 11:35 PM

Ivan Tolmachev’s comment is:

I liked the idea very much, but think the execution is horrible. The graphics seem to be rough and as if they were rushed to be completed.

But yes, compared to 2008, this one is much better I suppose.

You can read my thoughts on this logo here - http://itolmach.com/2009/12/euro2012-logo-revealed/

On Dec.19.2009 at 01:30 AM

Clyde’s comment is:

The good folks from Brandia Central did eventually get in touch with me yesterday. They sent me their concept notes, UEFA’s vision for the event, etc., etc. Trust me, nothing worth posting since it is all covered in the press release. In my response to them I requested images of how the visuals translate into more collateral (web screen shots, apparel, etc.,). I’m sure we can have another update to the article if they send me images…

On Dec.19.2009 at 04:42 AM

Daniel Kent’s comment is:

At first I could not make up my mind. I copped out and voted in the middle. I am still unsure but I cannot stop looking at the color logo on the black background. I really think it is a nice image but not sure how I feel about it as a logo. That is probably just my taste. The black and white versions, not the greyscale, are pretty sweet. Although they remind me of a cotton plant on the tag of a t-shirt. I am not a fan of the little person in the flower, kind of generic. I really have not added anything here except that I like looking at the logo but am still undecided as to its appropriateness.

On Dec.19.2009 at 05:46 AM

Valentino’s comment is:

A bit tosh really. Is the Euro tournament just a web2.0 website business now that maybe delivers flowers or Mario games or something?

What happened to glorious flat colour and a bit of sportyness that you could find on looked like they’d come from an adidas tracksuit, you know, a bit of geometry or something?

On Dec.19.2009 at 06:36 AM

bottleHeD’s comment is:

This is a really boring logo, and too soft for a game as frantic and fast paced as football. There’s absolutely no energy in it. And for all the explanation behind the logo, a billion football fans around the world aren’t gonna log in here or anywhere else to “understand” it. They’re gonna look at it and go “Flower. Eh!”

On Dec.19.2009 at 09:11 AM

Wallybear’s comment is:

I know that Chernobyl is in Ukraine, but I don’t think it’s necessary to put so much emphasis on the kind of flora growing at nuclear disaster sites.

On Dec.19.2009 at 09:53 AM

John’s comment is:

Maybe I’m exposing myself as an “uncultured” American, but that logo just don’t make no dadgum sense. I don’t have a problem with the flower concept so much as the seemingly overwrought and over-everything execution. Too many gradients, too many elements (the little generic figures with arms upraised in the patches make me nuts), too much trying too hard. If the Euros dig this kind of thing, well, bully for them. I’ll pass, thankyouverymuch.

On Dec.19.2009 at 09:57 AM

Abbas’s comment is:

@cj - FIFA’s president, Sepp Blatter, is Swiss not French.

I think Adidas will be happy with it because UEFA have gone and designed the football as well.

On Dec.19.2009 at 10:01 AM

MSGDS’s comment is:

Abnormal for any sporting event. This is a soccer competition for men, not a gay pride parade for soccer fans. Another failed design.

On Dec.19.2009 at 10:34 AM

Carlomagnvs’s comment is:

Anyone says eco ? Media spread us with alerts about global warming and yes I care about it, in fact at first sight i thougth: “this guys are concerned about the re-born of mother earth… but… no-one says eco.

On Dec.19.2009 at 12:55 PM

A Real Black Person’s comment is:

As for it be ing feminene, that is what can happen when a female designer rather than a male designer is chosen to design for a subject that this not completely gender neutral. Women tend to make things “pretty” and” cute” and “childish”. But since they are paid 75% of what men are paid, the savings are worth a”werid” logo.

It may sound as if I am being negative about women finally reaching a placce where thehy can influence but I’m not. I look forward to a female dominated West where, yes, even futbol will be subject to a dash of feminization.

On Dec.19.2009 at 02:41 PM

Randy Hill’s comment is:

I think the logo is well executed technically. Design-wise it just doesn’t work. There are too many elements. The flowers don’t track for me and the addition of the ball makes it look like a cotton boll…Lucy in the sky with soccer balls.

On Dec.19.2009 at 03:42 PM

b.r.o.o.d.y.’s comment is:

As it has been said, this is not appropriate for a logo. The graphic is just an illustration. One of those strange, trippy, colorful illustrations I like to use as wallpapers, but it doesn’t fit with the spirit of this event or with soccer in general at all.

It’s just… weird. Leaves one slightly befuddled, but in the end I doubt the UEFA followers will care one bit.

On Dec.19.2009 at 04:59 PM

Moeed Mohamamd’s comment is:

Seriously, why not stop here?

On Dec.19.2009 at 06:31 PM

Bryan Martin’s comment is:

Honestly I find it awkward. Why associate soccer with flowers? A soccer ball and a flower is an odd and somewhat gross conceptual mix; it’s like mixing incompatible foods.

LOL, I just paused to give it another look and I think it’s horrifyingly awkward.

On Dec.19.2009 at 09:44 PM

Umar’s comment is:

After seeing that first video, I suddenly have the desire to play Super Mario Brothers.

On Dec.20.2009 at 12:40 PM

Kanye West’s comment is:

I stomped on that thing in Super Mario Bros.

On Dec.20.2009 at 02:06 PM

Daniel’s comment is:

i personally like it, and think it represents the optimism that is partly what these events are all about. some of the comments above are hilarious.

On Dec.20.2009 at 05:15 PM

shiftklick’s comment is:

Question:
How do you make a comment describing something that looks gay without being offensive? After all if we can describe something as feminine or masculine, then why not gay?

It was difficult but here’s my best try:
This looks “homosexualy-inclined”. Don’t ge me wrong, I have respect for people belonging to the third gender. I’m sure they’ll love this. They can’t get enough of flowers.

On Dec.20.2009 at 07:22 PM

Fabian’s comment is:

Creating a new bud of life in the game…LOVE it!!!

On Dec.20.2009 at 08:55 PM

Fix Buster’s comment is:

“(perhaps UEFA are looking to cash in on sales of official merchandise).”

Exactly. The only thing UEFA care about is revenue.

On Dec.21.2009 at 03:05 AM

Akmal Fikri’s comment is:

Looks like a ball holding pom-pons.

On Dec.21.2009 at 04:27 AM

Tonic Micheal’s comment is:

i love the logo euro 2012, our life is going around logos design so its very impressive work

http://logodesignswork.com
Happy New Year

On Dec.21.2009 at 03:50 PM

r4i’s comment is:

Although I feel they could have refined the flowers a bit more, and the football as a flower is a bit dodgy to say the least. Another thing I’m not sure about is the swirly purple background they use, it’s just one step too far with the floral theme for me.

On Dec.22.2009 at 01:20 AM

FranK’s comment is:

In my opinion, the brands for this kind of events have to be more directed to cultural and social emotions. The football here is the excuse for this multicultural approach/reunion of people from all around. Taking this line of ratiocination i think the logo have it all. About the typo the “R” taking the “O” reflects the approach of the 2 organizer countries.

Congratulations to the agency and to UEFA® that once more reveals a great backstage work in the organization of this kind of events.

FranK

On Dec.22.2009 at 06:22 AM

Santa Clara domestic violence lawyer’s comment is:

This is one of the few times that I’ll say the execution of the logo was great, the problem is that it was a poor idea for the UEFA cup.
Not even close to representing soccer.

On Dec.22.2009 at 11:09 AM

DGoldstein’s comment is:

One more point to all the passionate Aol “Haters”

I am starting to feel Aol could give two cents about the visible form their logo. There isn’t a need to. It is constantly be reaffirmed when you make the conscious decision to type it in Aol.com.

Aol as a business is obviously trying is hardest to respect your space as an individual interacting with a computer on a increasingly regular basis. It might be worth addressing the concept of hating something that is extending this level of mutual respect while simultaneously trying to meet its requirements and desire to be a successful business. A business that will hopefully provide more necessary jobs in our struggling economy. I thank Aol for their acknowledgement of my space which creates an desire in me to become friendly with theirs.

On Dec.23.2009 at 03:12 AM

Sab_78’s comment is:

“The largest of six continental confederations of the French Swiss organization FIFA (Federation Internationale de Football Association)”

Excuse me, but FIFA it`s not a swiss organization, the FIFA headquarters are located in Zurich, Switzerland, which doesn’t mean it’s swiss.

On Dec.23.2009 at 12:50 PM

Romeo Stflorant’s comment is:

While this matter can be very difficult for most people, my view is that there has to be a middle or common ground that we all can find. I do appreciate that you’ve added relevant and intelligent commentary here though. Thank you!

On Dec.23.2009 at 01:20 PM

An o na me’s comment is:

Man! It looks so fruity and flowery. I mean really: trying to represent a the sport & its passion with something that will wither is… well… fruity… and flowery :P.
…Put a red glow/fire around the soccerball and enclosed in a blossom and we/fan may start talking e.g. with color it will burn (with red hot passion?), and without color, it still burn…

Ok. I’m dragging on, but just feel kind of down for a sport with lots of action, sweat and running is symbolized by the fruit & flowers *sigh*.

On Dec.24.2009 at 02:55 AM

A no na me’s comment is:

The curvy lines surely convey a sense of harmony—but for the wrong crowd i.e. doesn’t fit the fans who will go wild, screaming & chanting for their team. I mean at least make use of the “O” centered in the EURO2010: it’s begging to be tweaked/bridging the EUR and 2010.

On Dec.24.2009 at 03:06 AM

A no na me’s comment is:

Ok. Wow. It’s these kind of badly symbolized branding (in my opinion) that intrigues the creativity of a designer. Anyway, EUFA, if the next tourny participating countries have lots of rail-roads or bridges contact me, I just had an awesome concept that “bridges” soccer and the 2 countries (from the logo). Well, all the hints/inspirations are already there. Anyone want to take some times to create some mockups of how a soccerball bridging countries (2) together?

On Dec.24.2009 at 03:24 AM

Estel’s comment is:

I enjoyed the post very much.
I like the concept of the Wycinank, though I think they could have gone deeper. The logo is quite aesthetic, but IMHO, I don’t think of soccer as flowers, softness or glossy things; the overall feeling I get is too girly, to soft to relate it with soccer (I know this might sound a bit “macho”, but I really mean no harm).

I loved the way they presented the creative process and the thought behind it though.

Happy Christmas everyone:)

On Dec.24.2009 at 10:56 AM

Atlanta personal injury lawyer ’s comment is:

I could easily see this being the logo for “Mario Soccer” the next hit from Nintendo. However I don’t think that it’s an awful logo just a little more friendly than a want my most competitive football league in the world.

On Dec.28.2009 at 11:34 AM

Pennsylvania workers compensation attorney’s comment is:

I think that everyone has said it now, it’s a fine logo just not for soccer.

On Dec.29.2009 at 09:55 AM

Niel’s comment is:

Excuse me. I think it’s a bad joke. Pure decoration without any connection to the subject. Ridicules to set all what Poland and Ukraine incorporate equal to a dumb, botanical pattern. Almost the worst thing I saw for a long time. Hate it!!!

On Dec.29.2009 at 10:19 AM

Lew Rakowsky’s comment is:

Clyde—I agree with your critique. However, why was a Polish-Ukrainian design team not asked to solve the problem? Surely, if the brief was to infuse the design with cultural references, this would be accomplished more adroitly by practitioners of said culture, no?

http://neverknock.com/2009/12/29/an-identity-unveiled/

On Dec.29.2009 at 01:56 PM

alexandre nozawa’s comment is:

hey c’mon what’s the matter with flowers?

all of athletes receive flowers at olympic games podium.
http://www.fivb.org/vis_web/beach/2004/Photos/math2004/awards/HighRes/math2004.awards.08.jpg

I think the people against flowers need to visit a psychoanalist to show us a real masculinity independing of their scrap rules joined from early monkeys.

the glory of american sport stadium is named “ROSE BOWL STADIUM” and I think it’s not only a place for american football ladies.
http://www.rosebowlstadium.com/

On Jan.02.2010 at 08:09 AM

Clyde’s comment is:

@ Lew Rakowsky:

Good question. I wondered about that. I believe the same approach was taken for the UEFA EURO 2008 logo. I think it’s better when someone from the “outside” works on it - less bias.

On Jan.03.2010 at 03:03 PM

shiftklick’s comment is:

Male fooball players have been known to exhibit overwhelming infatuation with “flowers”. David Beckham comes to mind. That doesn’t necessarily mean that they are members of the gay persuasion. It simply means they are “metrosexuals” who are “tickled-pink” by the finer things in life.

Idea: instead of flowers maybe ballerinas would have better symbolism. After all, football has graceful movements akin to a ballet. I’m sure members of the third gender would be tickled-pink by this. They love ballerinas as much as they love flowers. Fa fa fa…

On Jan.04.2010 at 06:57 PM

shiftklick’s comment is:

Sorry. I take my last comment back. It was nonsense. I think overexposure to dumb comments here on brand new got me infected with the internet dickwad virus. Some of these comments are hazardous to mental health.

On Jan.04.2010 at 09:30 PM

Nunnsey’s comment is:

It’s a shame that the logo has to have another logo underneath it. Too much going on, I don’t hate it though.

On Jan.06.2010 at 12:58 PM

stevens point car accident lawyer’s comment is:

I like the idea of ballerinas. Maybe Zidan pirouetting or Ronaldo over stepping in a tutu on the front. Just an idea.

On Jan.06.2010 at 02:27 PM

John L Hoh Jr’s comment is:

The black and white loses some of the punch the color version had.

Maybe the next tourney can have a loofah on it—you know, the EUFA loofah!

On Jan.07.2010 at 04:37 PM

Tania Fischer’s comment is:

Coming from a country where soccer is for guys mainly, this is toooo femenine, nice but not for the guys world cup.

On Jan.11.2010 at 11:48 AM

Dyggyr’s comment is:

I was looking forward to seeing some abstract Eastern European logo like in radical Polish film posters or something like that. This is the opposite - a real let-down.

Did Brandia Central take inspiration from Portugal Euro 2004’s loveheart logo and apply it to flowers? See - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEFA_Euro_2004 I thought the 2008 logo was good - using the mountain shape to represent the Alps was appropriate for Austria and Switzerland.

Former Soviet countries tend to be a bit more macho so I bet they’ll both hate this logo. As a football fan, it doesn’t connect with me or the game. The only thing I can say for it is it’s more inspired than Euro 2000 - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEFA_Euro_2000

On Jan.21.2010 at 08:05 AM