[dlan4327]

"The European championship is set to be expanded to feature 24 teams from 2016 instead of the current 16, according to Franz Beckenbauer."


The Kaiser, recently appointed vice-chairman of Uefa's development and technical assistance committee, broke the news to the public.

"Yes for sure it's going to be 24 teams, The European Championships will not lose any quality by that."

Scottish FA chief executive Gordon Smith had this to say:

"It will make it easier for other countries such as England who failed to qualify for Euro 2008.We didn't do it specifically for that purpose however."

Cheeky Devil.


The proposal is the brainchild of the Scottish & Irish FA's who brought it up last year. After all if Scotland didn't deserve to be there, who did?

In all honesty I believe that if Serbia & Scotland had qualified it could have been a very different tournament.

The new format will mean fewer countries will have the capacity to host the tournament but it is believed the 53 member nations are unanimously in favour of the change.

 

[Zense_United]

like scot went to euro.. they also need this kind of rules to help them

 

[scottsati]

why dont they leave the game alone!!!!

 

[abojodeh]

24 teams not sure about it not a good idea
but look at the bright side Ireland Scotland and Wales will have more chances to feture in the finals

 

[trikam patel]

more teams, more games to watch, but downside is that the players will be f in nakered when club season starts IF england get to the final

 

[futbol]

UEFA Cup to become UEFA Europa League

The UEFA Europa League

The UEFA Executive Committee has approved the change of name for the UEFA Cup to the UEFA Europa League from 2009/10.

'New impetus'

The new name heralds major changes to the competition, which will have a new 48-team group stage with centralised marketing of broadcast rights, a presenting sponsor and an official matchball in addition to centralised sponsorship from the knockout stage and a new logo and visual identity. UEFA President Michel Platini said: "These changes will improve this historic competition, which is very important for UEFA and for European football as it gives more fans, players and clubs the thrill of European club football. I am convinced the new format will give the UEFA Europa League a successful new impetus."


Wholesale changes

The changes to the name, logo and brand identity of the competition are the next logical step following the decision to alter the format of the UEFA Cup and create a true group stage, with both home and away matches. That decision was taken by the UEFA Executive Committee in Lucerne, Switzerland, back in December 2007. The change of name better represents the format of the competition and with the enhancements to the logo and brand, the changes are such that from the 2009/10 season the UEFA Cup will effectively become a new competition.

Changing landscape

The new name and logo will help underline the tournament's special character and unique sporting appeal. The fresh format will encourage teams from emerging countries or lesser-known sides to challenge the old order, and the new identity will seek to reflect that. UEFA's ambition in making all these changes is to rejuvenate the competition in the light of the new European football landscape, which has shifted significantly with the continued success of the UEFA Champions League, so that the UEFA Europa League can establish itself as a major competition.​

 

[reddwarf]

They need to do something with it because the current format is daft.

1st round knockout, then a group stage where you only play each team once and then back to knock out again makes no sense.

 

[RtiD]

New format sounds good but don't really like the new name.

 

[Zenitka]

I think its silly....

 

[abojodeh]

what who when why


wtf ?

i can see Platine and big perv Blatter changing the European Champions league to UEFA UREFA FIFA CHAMPIONS CUP

 

[jerrakos]

dont think they needed to change name
but i guess changing the format is good
.....

 

[NateR]

Europa League. Name sounds stupid imo. It could have just been called UEFA European League.

 

[Ritesh MU]

The name is so stupid though. lol

 

[Zense_United]

why not european?

 

[Jay007]

Am I the only one who doesn't really understand the new format?

lol

Anyway, it definitely needed the changes. I look forward to seeing the new format.

 

[marty davidson]

i think it is a good idea

 

[RyanGiggs]

Sounds stupid but lets see how it all works out.