2021 Euro Beach Soccer League

The calendar below was revealed on 13 April 2021. } ==Teams==

The following teams entered the season, divided into two divisions, A and B, as shown (12 in Division A, 12 in Division B). The numbers in parentheses show the European ranking of each team prior to the start of the season, out of 34 nations. Division A In 2020, teams from Division A who decided not to compete because of any concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic were not penalised. This season, BSWW declared teams would be penalised for not competing unless they could provide evidence of a legitimate reason in respect of the continued effects of the pandemic. Ultimately, all teams did participate. • (1st) • (2nd) • (3rd) • (4th) • (5th) • (6th) • (7th) • (8th) • (9th) • (10th) • (11th) • (12th) Division B England did not compete for the first time since their debut in 2001, ending 19 consecutive years of participation; Sweden returned for the first time since 2004. • (13th) • (14th) • (17th) • (18th) • (19th) • (20th) • (21st) • (22nd) • (24th) • (25th) • 1 (31st) • (n/a) Notes: :1. Teams making their debut ==Stage 1 (Nazaré, 17–19 June)==

Matches are listed as local time in Nazaré, WEST (UTC+1) All matches took place at the Estádio do Viveiro – Jordan Santos on Praia de Nazaré (Nazaré Beach). Due to COVID-19 concerns, the matches were played behind closed doors. All teams from Division A competed; there were no Division B fixtures during this stage. It took place in tandem with the first group stage of the World Cup qualifiers for UEFA; the teams of Division A joined its second group stage immediately after the conclusion of this event. BSWW decided to organise the two events back-to-back in the same location involving all nations, in order to minimise travel in consideration of the continued effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The best eight teams qualified for the Superfinal; the worst team was consigned to the Promotion Final. ==Stage 2 (Chișinău, 28 July – 1 August)==

Matches are listed as local time in Chișinău, EEST (UTC+3) All matches took place at the FMF Beach Soccer Arena in La Izvor Park; the stadium had a capacity of 1,024, however was limited to 50% in order to accommodate social distancing measures regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. There were no Division A fixtures during this stage, making this the first stage exclusive to Division B teams since 2007. Slovakia made their EBSL debut during this stage; Moldova hosted for the first time. Group stage Group A ---- ---- Group B Kazakhstan & Lithuania; Greece & Sweden are ranked based on their head-to-head results. ---- ---- Group C ---- ---- Final group stage ranking Since Group A consisted of three teams, for the teams in first, second and third place in Groups B and C, their results against the teams finishing in fourth place in their groups were discounted for this ranking. Ranking & tie-breaking criteria: 1. Group placement 2. Points earned 3. Goal difference 4. Goals for Semi-finals ---- ---- Finals ---- ---- ---- ---- Final standings Awards The following were presented after the conclusion of the final day's matches. ==Promotion Final (Figueira da Foz, 9–12 September)==

The top seven teams from Division B and the team bottom of Division A played in the Promotion Final; the winner earned a place in Division A next season. Qualified teams The team in attempted to retain their position in Division A, having finished as the worst team of Division A's regular season event. Slovakia originally qualified, but withdrew "at the last minute" for undisclosed reasons; Sweden replaced them as lucky losers. • • • • • • 1 1 • 1 • (Last place, Division A) Notes: :1. First appearance in Promotion Final Group stage Group 1 Turkey & Greece; Kazakhstan & Lithuania are ranked based on their head-to-head results ---- ---- Group 2 ---- ---- Play-off stage Seventh place play-off Fifth place play-off Third place play-off Promotion play-off final Final standings By winning the event, Estonia earned promotion to Division A for the first time, having previously lost the final twice in 2015 and 2017. In losing the final, Turkey failed to defend their Division A status and were relegated to Division B for 2022, ending a four-year stay in the top tier. ==Superfinal (Figueira da Foz, 9–12 September)==

Matches are listed as local time in Figueira da Foz, WEST (UTC+1). The winners of the Superfinal were crowned 2021 EBSL champions. Qualified teams The top eight teams from Division A's regular season event qualified for the Superfinal: • • (hosts) • • • • • • Group stage Group 1 ---- ---- Group 2 ---- ---- Play-off stage Seventh place play-off Fifth place play-off Third place play-off Superfinal match Awards Winners trophy Individual awards Awarded for feats achieved in the Superfinal only Final standings ==Top scorers==

The following tables list the top 12 scorers in Division A and in Division B, including goals scored in both the regular and post season events. Note there are no awards presented for these season-encompassing scoring feats, the tables are for statistical purposes only. Scoring awards were bestowed per stage, with the primary award that which was presented in the Superfinal. Goals scored by Turkish players in the Promotion Final are not counted towards either table. Division A Sources: Stage 1, Superfinal Division B Sources: Stage 2 (note that Kazakh scorers are missing from this source), Promotion Final ==See also==