The 1980 UEFA European Under-21 Championship, which spanned two years (1978–80) had 25 entrants.

Cyprus and the Netherlands competed in the competition for the first time.

Due to 'irregularities', Turkey's first two matches were awarded (3-0) to their opponents.

The group winners played off against each other on a two-legged home-and-away basis until the winner was decided.

The allocation of teams into qualifying groups was based on that of UEFA Euro 1980 qualifying with several changes, reflecting the absence of some nations: (* Both matches awarded 3-0 against Turkey) See 1980 UEFA European Under-21 Championship squads