Withdrawals (incl France, Russia and Azerbaijan)

[MyHeartIsYours]

I've noticed it being said on one of the British fan pages on Facebook that it's being reported that 5 countries are set to announce their withdrawal from the contest tomorrow morning, including one member of the Big 5.

Rumours are apparently that France is the Big 5 member, and Russia and Azerbaijan are set to leave too.


Have to say, despite the fact that Conchita's victory flies in the face of certain people's so called "morals", Im quite surprised at the thought of Russia and Azerbaijan leaving.

 

[eerik]

Would be great to see some of them withdrawing but sadly I don't see it happening, sadly...

 

[Gerly]

I think it's a bit early to say official whether one country leaves or not as some of them change their mind, when the deadline is close.
If Azerbaijan withdraws then it must be because of this year result. They can't live with this low result

 

[Sean]

When the sources for something are 'some British fan page on Facebook' and Oikotimes it's pretty easy to say it won't happen...

 

[A-lister]

Sounds a bit rumor-ish to me, but I wouldn't be surprised if Russia and France withdraws though. Poland might withdraw and maybe Portugal too.

 

[GermanBango]

Russia should withdraw imho!

 

[Jeansy]

Well that would free up some twelve's that could go to better acts.

 

[elvisontheisland]

If Azerbaijan withdraws then it must be because of this year result. They can't live with this low result

But hey, at least buying the jury from San Marino worked for them. Must have cost them another Potemkin village.

/irony off

 

[kengaIME]

TEASER: FOUR COUNTRIES FURIOUSLY WITHDRAW | OIKOTIMES.COM

:?

 

[Fluke]

What about Spain? They almost withdrew a couple of years ago, and interest there seems to be very low....

 

[Happiness]

Everyone leaves, Azerbaijan stays :'D They're even able to make an edition with 1 participation number

 

[LoveHate]

I think it's a bit early to say official whether one country leaves or not as some of them change their mind, when the deadline is close.
If Azerbaijan withdraws then it must be because of this year result. They can't live with this low result

Or, they were given an ultimatum: quietly withdraw for a couple of years, or get banned + public humiliation for sinking Armenia, Austria and Sweden in the jury ranking.

 

[tuorem]

France will not withdraw, we've been failing for 36 years now.

 

[JamieBrown]

The more countries left the ESC, the more the 2nd semifinale doesn't make any sense. So the Top 10 and the Big whatever should be pre-qualified and then only one semifinal. It would be weird to have 2 semis were each 3 or less countries fail to qualify.

 

[Jeansy]

Or, they were given an ultimatum: quietly withdraw for a couple of years, or get banned + public humiliation for sinking Armenia, Austria and Sweden in the jury ranking.

Yes!

Conspiracy theorists unite

 

[Happiness]

The more countries left the ESC, the more the 2nd semifinale doesn't make any sense. So the Top 10 and the Big whatever should be pre-qualified and then only one semifinal. It would be weird to have 2 semis were each 3 or less countries fail to qualify.

No way. I don't want 10 countries to directly qualify. That makes final less qualitied. Yes, I know official results may sometimes be very joke but another way is even worse. I'd rather Big 5 + host and one semi for all the rest, but last year's top 10 to directly final is no good at all.

 

[Leydan]

What about Spain? They almost withdrew a couple of years ago, and interest there seems to be very low....

After coming 10th I can't see it. France has terrible ratings, just over a million people watched it this year, down from last year.

 

[Leydan]

Although Azerbaijan leaving wouldn't upset me.

 

[Staewi]

I can't imagine France and Russia leaving, such big countries in Europe not participating? Impossible.
But (if it's right) it could make the EBU see what they are doing wrong nowadays, so it also would be positive.

 

[LoveHate]

I can totally see Russia withdrawing.

Reason 1: They would have to broadcast more Conchita Wurst on national television next year.
Reason 2: Two Russian teenagers got booed for making it to the final/receiving high points from various countries.