Forget Champions League and Europa League, a third UEFA competition is coming

Uefa are set to introduce a third European club competition in 2021.

The competition, which will take place alongside the Champions League and Europa League, is just awaiting final approval from the executive committee. Speaking at the general assembly of the European Clubs Association, Uefa competitions committee executive Andrea Agnelli confirmed the plans. The new competition has been discussed for several years and when it is rolled out in the 2021/22 season, it will see the total number of clubs involved in European football expanded to 96. It's been suggested that the Champions League format will not change. It's more likely that the Europa League will be altered by moving from a 48-team tournament to 32. Clubs from smaller nations in Europe are expected to take part in the as-yet unnamed competition and the matches will likely be broadcast on online platforms exclusively.

"These new regulations will be even more effective than the ones we had in place which delivered astonishing results which have just been announced by Uefa," said Agnelli. "Pending approval of the Uefa ExCo, the 'green light' has been given to introduce a third competition, bringing the overall number of clubs to 96, as of the 2021/22 season. "A detailed assessment of the existing International Match Calendar is required prior to presenting a new model post-2024. The current model needs modernising."