Cape Town - UEFA have confirmed the inaugural Nations League has been green-lighted and will take place between September and November in 2018, reports Football411.
The tournament will be introduced to effectively replace international friendlies, where 52 competing nations will be split into four divisions - based on their UEFA coefficient - with each division containing four groups.
The eventual winners of the individual groups will then contest semi-finals and a final in June the following year, while there will also be relegation and promotion between the lower groups.
A UEFA statement read: "The key driver of the UEFA Nations League is sporting integrity, as member associations, coaches, players and supporters increasingly feel that friendly internationals are not providing adequate sporting competition.
"In addition, the competition will help UEFA realise its stated goal of improving the quality and standing of national team football while maintaining the balance between club and international football.
"The competition will establish the UEFA Nations League champions every odd year while also allowing all nations to play competitively at their level."
The tournament will be introduced to effectively replace international friendlies, where 52 competing nations will be split into four divisions - based on their UEFA coefficient - with each division containing four groups.
The eventual winners of the individual groups will then contest semi-finals and a final in June the following year, while there will also be relegation and promotion between the lower groups.
A UEFA statement read: "The key driver of the UEFA Nations League is sporting integrity, as member associations, coaches, players and supporters increasingly feel that friendly internationals are not providing adequate sporting competition.
"In addition, the competition will help UEFA realise its stated goal of improving the quality and standing of national team football while maintaining the balance between club and international football.
"The competition will establish the UEFA Nations League champions every odd year while also allowing all nations to play competitively at their level."