Share

UEFA announces plans to expand Nations League

Ljubljana - UEFA is to expand the number of matches played in the Nations League following the success of the inaugural edition of the international competition, European football's governing body announced on Tuesday.

The changes, revealed at UEFA's Executive Committee meeting in Ljubljana, mean that League A, currently featuring the top 12 nations on the continent, will feature 16 nations in four groups of four when the next tournament begins in the autumn of 2020.

That means more games for each side involved and also ensures that Germany will be saved from relegation to the second tier League B.

The 2014 World Cup winners had finished bottom of their section and were relegated along with Croatia, Iceland and Poland, who will also remain in the top tier.

The reshuffle also means there will be 16 teams in Leagues B and C, with the remaining seven European countries in League D.

The inaugural edition was won by Portugal, who hosted the final stages of a competition which generated a reported €500 million for UEFA.

Playing more matches in the next edition of the Nations League will ensure even greater revenues, and will also have the knock-on effect of further reducing the number of meaningless friendly matches by filling up remaining spaces in the crowded calendar.

The draw for the next Nations League will be held in Amsterdam on March 3, next year.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2246 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE