Why are Romania down as ROU and not ROM on the score graphic at UEFA EURO 2024? Many have been left confused during the nation’s games at this summer’s tournament.
England are ENG. France are FRA. Germany are GER and Spain are SPA – so where does the U come from when Romania are involved?
Let’s take a look…
Why Euro 2024 score graphic has Romania as ROU, not ROM
The reason for this is quite simple.
Romania are regarded as ROU at EURO 2024 as the French spelling of the nation’s name – Roumanie – has become more commonly used across Europe.
It was spelt that way in France back in the 1840s as a means of differentiating between Romanians and Romans.
ROU also tends to be used on official documents – including passports – as the international diplomatic language at the time of passports being issued was French.
The three letter abbreviation was officially changed from ROM to ROU for good at the request of the Romanian Government back in 2002 – and has been kept that way ever since, even in sporting events.
Romania have a great chance of qualifying for Round of 16
Romania currently find themselves in the most uncertain group at EURO 2024 at the time of writing.
Group E sees Romania, Belgium, Ukraine and Slovakia all sitting on three points each going into Matchday Three of the Group Stage.
However, Romania may only need to finish third to progress into the Round of 16 as one of the four best third-placed sides, having already won three points at the competition, while also boasting a positive goal difference of one, as things stand, something that can’t be said for Slovakia, Slovenia or Hungary.
Slovakia, Slovenia and Hungary are currently positioned to qualify with three points and goal differences of zero, zero and minus three respectively, which emphasises how positive things are looking for Romania heading into Matchday Three of Group E.
READ MORE: What RPS stands for at UEFA EURO 2024
Effectively, Romania just need to avoid a heavy defeat against Slovakia in today’s Group E clash (Wednesday 26th June) and Edward Iordanescu’s side should progress into the Round of 16, after a comprehensive 3-0 win over Ukraine in their opening match.