Following the independent investigation of the events of the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö, Martin Österdahl has finally spoken out.

Speaking to Swedish media outlet TT, Martin Österdahl discussed Israel, the growth of the Contest and the changes that need to be made, amongst other things. Martin Österdahl had the following to say:

“The Middle East issue is complicated. They struggle with it in the White House and at 10 Downing Street, so it’s no wonder that it’s difficult for an organisation like the EBU as well. I have no concrete answers as to how we will solve it in the future, but we will concentrate on making the decision-making mandate clearer and that communication improves.

The Eurovision Song Contest has grown explosively, especially in the last four years, and the event has in many ways grown out of our organisations reach. If we compare ourselves to a larger sporting event with the same media pressure as ours, I believe we’ve been a little naive and not really had the resources we need.

My focus was that we would get through these changes, that they would be spotless and that everyone would come out of there unscathed. If an outlet for frustration and disappointment was needed, booing is perfectly fine with me. The important thing is that no one was hurt.

During the summer and autumn, we will review how the communication within the member organisation works and make sure that all information gets through all the way. From the EBU, to the Heads of Delegations to the artists. There’s obviously been a breach there.”

Let us know what you think about the Sweden and the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest – either in the comments below or on our FACEBOOK, TWITTER, YOUTUBE, INSTAGRAM and TIKTOK pages.

Author: Richard Taylor

Source: Eurovoix