Since 1999, four countries – Germany, Spain, France and the United Kingdom – have automatically qualified for the Eurovision final regardless of their results in previous contests. These countries earned this status by being the four biggest financial contributors to the EBU, and due to their untouchable status, became known as the "Big Four". In 2009, it was reported that the Big Four could lose their status and be forced to compete in the semi-finals; however, this never materialised, and the rule remained in place. When Italy returned to the contest in 2011, it was given the same untouchable status, thus upgrading the countries to members of a "Big Five".