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UEFA apologises for removing Scotland fans' World Cup celebration videos
UEFA has issued an apology after videos of Scotland supporters celebrating their team's World Cup qualification were wrongly removed from social media due to copyright claims.
Copyright enforcement error
The Scottish Football Supporters Association (SFSA) received legal notices from UEFA stating that its posts-showing fans reacting to Scotland's 4-2 victory over Denmark-violated broadcasting rights. The governing body admitted the footage was "wrongly picked up by content protection agencies."
One deleted clip captured a packed pub in Inverurie erupting as Kenny McLean's long-range strike sealed Scotland's first World Cup berth since 1998. The match aired legally on BBC Scotland and BBC Two.
SFSA criticism
SFSA co-founder Paul Goodwin called UEFA's actions "out of touch," arguing the clips-averaging 40 seconds-focused on fan reactions, not match footage. "It smacks of people who have no idea about football making decisions," he said.
"Our message to UEFA is best summed up in the chant often directed to match officials: 'You don't know what you're doing.'"
Paul Goodwin, SFSA co-founder
UEFA reverses decision
Following backlash, UEFA retracted the copyright notices, allowing platforms to reinstate the videos. A spokesperson stated: "We apologise for the inconvenience and congratulate Scotland on qualifying-a fantastic achievement for fans."
Political reaction
Scottish Labour's Neil Bibby criticized the removals as "heavy-handed," noting the victory was "a historic moment and a spectacular advert for football."
Background: UEFA's strict copyright policy
UEFA aggressively enforces broadcast rights, routinely removing unofficial match clips from platforms like YouTube. Its rules assert exclusive ownership of all competition-related audio-visual material.
Scotland's qualification
Goals from Scott McTominay, Lawrence Shankland, Kieran Tierney, and McLean secured Scotland's place at the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Fan reactions and goal highlights have since circulated widely on X, Instagram, and TikTok.
