The creation of the tournament, which has the working title of UEL2, was approved following a meeting in Dublin, with the governing body saying its inception will ensure at least 34 countries will be represented in the group stages of UEFA club competitions. UEFA said that the Champions League would remain unaltered, meaning that the four top-ranked leagues -- currently Spain, England, Germany and Italy -- would each keep four guaranteed places in the group stage. The Champions League will not be affected by the changes, but the Europa League will be “streamlined” with an additional knock-out round played before the round of 16 between teams ranked second in their groups and the third-ranked teams of the Champions League groups. While the structure to UEFA's landmark competition the Champions League remains untouched, Europa League winners will now progress automatically to the last 16 of the competition. Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin (left), and President of Ireland Michael D Higgins, pose with the Henri Delaunay Trophy in Dublin

Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin (left), and President of Ireland Michael D Higgins, pose with the Henri Delaunay Trophy in Dublin

UEFA HAVE ANNOUNCED details of a new European club competition to be launched in 2021. “There will be more matches for more clubs, with more associations represented in the group stages.”

UEFA is guaranteeing that at least 34 of its 55 countries — up from 26 — will be represented in the group stage of its competitions as the result of the introduction of UEL2. This competition was borne out of ongoing dialogue with clubs through the European Club Association.”

The governing body have confirmed a new third competition, known as UEL2. "There was a widespread demand by all clubs to increase their chances of participating more regularly in European competition,” Čeferin added. “This has been achieved with a strategic approach, and in accordance with Uefa’s objective of having both more quality and more inclusivity in our club competitions.”

Subscribe to our new podcast, Heineken Rugby Weekly on The42, here:
UEFA confirms that a new annual European football club competition called UEFA Europa League 2 will be introduced in 2021.