UYEFA will fundamentally change the system of competitions for national teams
UEFA, the governing body of European football, has decided to fundamentally reform the structure of influential competitions involving national teams, particularly the Nations League and the qualifying phase of the European Championship. This was reported by Zamin.uz.
This unexpected new system for fans and specialists aims to increase the appeal of international matches on the continent and take competition to an entirely new level. According to the proposed plan, these revolutionary changes will take effect officially after the conclusion of Euro 2028, that is, starting from the 2028-2029 season.
The new tournament concept will be finally approved at the upcoming meeting of the UEFA Executive Committee this September. According to the reform, the structure of the Nations League will change significantly.
Currently, the competition features three main divisions, each consisting of sixteen teams. Within each league, based on team rankings, three separate pots are formed, each containing six participants.
Teams will play a total of six matches against five different opponents. They will face representatives of different pots from their division either at home or away.
Moreover, each national team will be required to play one away match against an opponent from its own pot. In the lowest division, as an exception, nineteen participants compete, and one of the groups consists of seven teams.
The format of the traditional semi-finals and promotion/relegation playoffs between divisions will remain unchanged. The qualifying cycle leading to the European championship will also have a multi-stage and intriguing structure.
Under the new system, national teams will be divided into two major leagues. The first league will include the thirty-six strongest teams participating in the top divisions of the Nations League.
All remaining teams, ranked lower, will qualify for the second league. In the first league, three pots will be formed, each containing twelve teams.
This system mirrors the new Swiss-style format currently used in UEFA’s influential club competitions. Each national team will participate in three home and three away matches against six different opponents.
In the second league, the number of pots will be three, distributed according to the number of teams. Only the teams that finish in the top positions in the first league groups will have the direct opportunity to qualify for the European Championship.
The remaining qualification spots for the continental title will be determined through playoff battles. These innovations are expected to generate significant interest in the football world and further enhance the impact of matches between national teams.
The aforementioned information was prepared based on reports published by One.uz. The new format promises not only additional excitement and thrilling moments for teams but also for devoted fans who follow the matches directly.
Zero, by directly influencing each match’s position in the tournament standings, intensifies the competition.
