Football is constantly evolving, and the UEFA Europa League is no exception. Stay updated with all the latest changes on Live99soccer.

Starting next season, a new format will be introduced after UEFA approved the changes in May 2022. This marks the first major revamp of Europe’s second-tier competition since its inception. UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin emphasized that qualification will be “based on sporting merit.”

What is the new Europa League format and how does it work?
Currently, the Europa League features 32 teams divided into eight groups of four, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the knockout stage. The new format will expand to 36 clubs in a single league table, allowing four additional teams to compete.

Instead of playing three teams twice, each club will face eight different teams, with four home games and four away games. Teams will be seeded into four pots, and each team will play two opponents from each pot, ensuring a mix of competition.

How will the knockout stages work?

The top eight teams will automatically qualify for the last 16. Teams finishing ninth to 24th will enter a two-legged knockout play-off to earn a place in the last 16. Teams finishing 25th or lower will be eliminated and will not enter the Conference League.

From the last 16 onwards, the Live Football Europa League will continue with its existing knockout format, culminating in a final at a neutral venue.

How many more games will be played and when?

The new format will increase the total number of matches from 141 to 189. Each team will play a minimum of eight matches, compared to six in the current format, and a maximum of 17 matches.

Standard matchdays will remain on Thursdays, but Europa League exclusive weeks will see games spread across Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. The league phase will conclude at the end of January instead of December.

How many Premier League teams will be?

For Premier League clubs, the top four teams qualify for the Champions League, while the fifth-placed team enters the Europa League. This season, Tottenham will compete in the Europa League, joined by FA Cup winners Manchester United. Chelsea will play in the Conference League.

How do the coefficient places work?

The coefficient places, or ‘European Performance Spots,’ are awarded to associations with the best collective performance by their clubs in the previous season. Germany and Italy have secured an additional spot in next season’s Europa League due to their clubs’ performances.

Who has qualified for the Europa League group stages?

England: Tottenham, Manchester United
Spain: Villarreal, Real Betis, Real Sociedad
Italy: Roma, Lazio, Napoli, Fiorentina
Germany: Eintracht Frankfurt, Union Berlin, Freiburg
France: Rennes, Lille, Marseille
Netherlands: AZ Alkmaar, Twente
Portugal: Braga, Porto
Belgium: Gent, Genk
Scotland: Rangers
Austria: Rapid Vienna
Ukraine: Dynamo Kyiv
Two additional places will be filled based on European Performance Spots, and the remaining slots will be determined via qualifying rounds.

How has the Europa League format changed over the years?

The Europa League, originally known as the UEFA Cup, began in 1971. It transitioned to the Europa League format in 2009, introducing a group stage and expanding its reach.

Are the Champions League and Europa Conference League changing too?

Yes. The Champions League will adopt a similar format change, increasing to 36 teams in a single league table. The Europa Conference League will be rebranded as the UEFA Conference League, featuring 36 teams playing six matches against different opponents in the league phase.

Stay tuned to Live99 Soccer for all the updates and in-depth analysis on the new UEFA Europa League format and other football news.